Motherhood 


The  Generative  Organs 
Their  Purpose  and 
Derangements 


u  M  a  11  n  a    C  o  o  r  o  f  t 


MOTHERHOOD 


KNOW  THYSELF  SERIES 


COPYRIGHT,  1906, 
BY  SUSANNA  COCROFT 


MOTHERHOOD 

C— —  s*^ 


BY 

SUSAKNA   COCROFT 

COMMANDANTS   OF   THE 

UNITBD  STATES  TRAINING  CORPS  FOR  WOMEN 

AUTHOR   OF 

KNOW  THYSKLF  SERIES 

OF  TWBLVB   BOOKS 


FOURTH  EDITION 


PUBLISHED  BY  THE 

HKADINGTON  PUBLISHING  Co. 

209  N.  MICHIGAN  BLVD. 

CHICAGO,  ILL. 


MOTHERHOOD 


BY 

SUSANNA  COCROFT 


To  woman  is  given  the  most  beautiful 
and  most  sacred  privilege— the  power  with 
God  to  create,  to  bring  forth  and  to  unfold 
life — the  privilege  of  motherhood,  physical 
and  spiritual. 

It  is  her  privilege  and  pleasure  to  guard 
and  to  nurture  the  little  one  during  its 
delicate  young  years,  to  direct  it  as  it  ex- 
pands and  grows  into  a  radiant,  useful  life. 
She  finds  her  companionship  in  its  respond- 
ing love  and  her  compensation  in  the 
ultimate  ripening  into  useful,  beautiful 
maturity. 

Here  is  a  Divine  agency,  uplifting,  refin- 
ing, ennobling— the  connecting  link  between 
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the  visible  and  the  invisible,  between  the 
finite  and  the  Infinite,  between  man  and 
God. 

Surely  no  woman  can  undergo  the  respon- 
sibility of  motherhood  without  developing 
an  unfolding  beauty  and  strength  of  soul, 
without  being  uplifted  by  the  consciousness 
of  her  kinship  with  her  Creator. 

Are  you  an  expectant  mother  ?  Then  you 
know  that  you  have  formed  a  partnership 
with  the  Creator  of  all  life.  Rely  upon 
the  power  of  this  partnership.  Keep  in 
mind  constantly  that  the  Creator  of  life  is 
Love  and  that  this  Divine  Force,  having 
asked  your  help,  is  going  to  uphold,  to 
inspire,  to  empower. 

Realize  that  you  are  surrounded  with  a 
spiritual  atmosphere  of  beauty  and  loveli- 
ness and  protection.  Know  that  the 
"Eternal  God  is  thy  dwelling  place  and 
underneath  thee  are  the  everlasting  arms.  ' 
Keep  in  mind  this  enveloping  Jove  and 
stay  close. 

You  are  breathing,  thinking,  seeing,  feel- 
ing for  the  new  life  that  is  given  to  you— 
cement  this  partnership. 

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Fear  motherhood?  No,  no  fear,  but  lov- 
ing  expectancy,   with   perfect   faith   and 
confidence  that  all  is  well.    Yield  yourself 
to  the  beauty  and  the  sacredness  of  it 
''God's  in  His  heaven, 
All's  right  with  the  world." 

And  all  is  right  with  the  mother  and  the 
child. 

Know  that  Nature  would  not  make  laws 
governing  the  bringing  forth  of  life  that 
were  disastrous  to  you  if  you  observe  them. 

This  attitude  of  love  begets  kindness  to- 
ward all  living  creatures  and  in  the  mental 
attitude  of  kindness  the  nerves  direct  more 
normal  impulses  to  the  body,  which  will 
function  normally  if  given  the  proper 
material. 

Regard  your  body  as  a  sacred  temple. 
Sweetly  and  sacredly  prepare  body,  mind 
and  spirit  for  the  trust  of  another  soul. 
Keep  it  wholesome,  pure  and  sweet.  Con- 
form to  Nature's  laws  of  food,  air,  water 
and  exercise  so  as  to  keep  the  body  clean 
within  as  well  as  without  and  free  for  the 
flow  of  pure  blood  containing  proper  nutri- 
tion. 

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Your  body  is  the  most  wonderful  mech- 
anism known  in  life.  Attend  to  material 
conditions  just  as  you  would  have  your 
engineer  attend  to  the  engine  of  your  auto- 
mobile. Keep  it  clean  within  as  well  as 
without.  Give  the  machine  a  proper 
amount  of  gas  (food),  the  proper  amount 
of  water,  sufficient  air  in  the  valves,  and 
keep  it  clean  by  exercise.  An  engine  will 
rust  if  disused;  the  body  will  become  clog- 
ged if  not  used  sufficiently.  You  need  daily 
exercise  for  every  tissue. 

You  have  been  given  intelligence  with 
which  to  select  pure  food,  pure  water,  pure 
air  and  proper  exercise.  Use  this  intelli- 
gence in  attending  to  these  material  con- 
ditions and  then  trust. 

Great  souls  are  usually  born  of  great 
mothers. 

If  her  mind  dwell  on  chaste  and  elevating 
subjects,  or  if  she  delve  into  the  purest 
and  highest  of  art,  literature,  philosophy 
and  science,  if  her  actions  be  permeated 
with  a  sweet  and  wholesome  spirit  of  kind- 
ness, helpfulness  and  consideration  for 
those  about  her,  this  high  degree  of  spirit- 

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uality  may  leave  a  like  impress  on  the  soul 
of  her  unborn  child,  impossible  of  efface- 
ment. 

A  child  whose  spiritual  welfare  is  so 
fostered  naturally  reveres  all  that  is  elevat- 
ing— the  beauties  of  Nature,  the  great 
achievements  of  mankind,  in  fact  all  that 
constitute  true  greatness  in  character  and 
mind;  every  noble  act  or  impulse  are  re- 
verenced by  him. 

An  expectant  mother  should  eliminate 
every  thought  and  thing  that  tends  to 
divert  the  highest  current  of  her  mind  and 
soul.  She  should  surround  herself  with 
everything  which  tends  to  uplift  and  en- 
noble. She  should  create  in  the  home  life 
an  atmosphere  of  pure,  unselfish  and  ele- 
vating ideals,  finding  beauty,  use  and 
pleasure  in  the  simple,  everyday  things  of 
life.  If  she  keep  close  to  Nature,  the 
Master  Artist,  she  cannot  harbor  artificial 
or  common  thoughts.  If  she  mentally  and 
spiritually  dwell  on  the  heights,  the  purity 
and  strength  of  this  atmosphere  will  be  an 
essential  part  of  her  child's  after  life— 
will  color  his  future. 

15 


An  environment  of  wealth  and  power  is 
not  in  any  sense  essential  to  the  birth  of  a 
great  and  courageous  soul;  these  might 
serve  but  to  gratify  a  purely  sensuous  taste 
and  thus  cause  psychological  conditions 
that  would  give  birth  to  a  nature  inclined 
to  revel  in  pomp  and  empty  show. 

Howsoever  humble  her  position,  or  how- 
soever narrow  her  environment,  a  mother 
has  access  always  to  Nature's  great 
gallery.  She  may  enjoy  from  her  doorstep, 
according  to  her  soul  sense,  the  glorious 
sunsets,  the  clouds  with  their  rare  fashion- 
ing, the  music  of  the  wind  among  the  trees, 
the  perfume  of  the  flowers,  the  restfulness 
of  the  droning  bees— all  of  these  permeate 
her  senses  and  are  hers. 

If  the  mother  look  for  beauty  in  Nature, 
she  often  gets  more  out  of  simple  pleasures 
than  the  rich  and  great  who  have  become 
satiated  by  a  too  profligate  use  of  wealth's 
privileges.  Such  ennuied  mortals  pass 
with  unseeing  eyes  the  rarest  gems  in 
Nature's  gallery,  and  in  their  restless 
search  for  some  new  interest  rush  to 
view  the  works  of  her  imitators  iii 

16 


art  galleries  made  by  man.  Scenes  and 
pictures  in  Nature  are  beyond  the  brush 
of  artist.  No  man  yet  has  painted  a  sky. 
No  man  yet  has  given  us  water  with  the 
ocean's  swell.  Man  imitates  still  life,  but 
the  spirit  and  movement  are  God's.  One 
never  fully  appreciates  man's  imitation 
until  he  has  felt  and  appreciated  God's 
original. 

"I  know  that  I  shall  never  see 
A  poem  lovely  as  a  tree, — 
A  tree  that  looks  at  God  all  day 
And  lifts  her  leafy  arms  to  pray  :— 
A  tree  whose  hungry  mouth  is  prest 
Against  the  Earth's  sweet  flowing  breast ; 
A  tree  that  may  in  summer  wear 
A  nest  of  robins  in  her  hair ; 
Upon  whose  bosom  snow  has  lain, 
Who  intimately  has  lived  with  rain, 
Poems  are  made  by  fools  like  me 
But  only  God  can  make  a  tree. ' ' 

Joyce  Kilmer. 

If  one  is  not  financially  able  to  procure 
paintings,  a  few  simple  prints  of  great 
masterpieces  may  serve  the  purpose  of  fix- 
ing the  true  ideals  of  art,  and  thus  create 

17 


the  atmosphere  most  beneficial  to  foster 
the  artistic  tastes)  in  her  child. 

There  is  beauty  in  a  blade  of  grass,  there 
is  use  and  dignity  in  the  making  of  a  loaf 
of  bread. 

The  mental  and  spiritual  attitude  with 
which  one  approaches  her  work  makes  her 
queen  or  serf.  A  woman  may  be  as  much 
a  queen  in  the  preparation  of  a  meal  for 
her  family  as  in  the  idle  reading  of  a  novel 
in  her  library. 

Keep  ever  in  mind  the  sweet,  new  dig- 
nity, use  and  purpose  given  to  your  life— 
the  mysteriously  beautiful  new  life,  placed 
entirely  within  your  power  to  form  into  a 
perfect  being.  Endeavor  to  impress  on  it 
the  stamp  of  chaste,  dignified,  strong  and 
useful  force,  that  it  may  develop  into  a 
power  for  good,  for  right,  for  truth.  You 
will  thus  endow  it  with  a  dynamic  force 
which  shall  give  it  the  strength  to  make 
this  power  felt. 

When  woman  has  developed  a  keen 
appreciation  of  the  beauty  in  even  a  grain 
of  sand,  she  is,  indeed,  rich,  at  peace  with 

18 


the  world.  She  envies  no  one,  thinks  kindly 
of  all  God's  creatures,  and  is  ever  ready 
to  extend  the  helping  hand  when  needed. 

The  capacity  for  happiness  and  the 
cultivation  of  the  habit  of  taking  a  happy 
view  of  life  is  one  of  the  most  blessed  herit- 
ages a  mother  can  give  to  her  child,  and 
the  habit  of  finding  beauty  in  the  everyday 
of  life  is  a  rich  heritage. 

She  who  is  keenly  alive  to  Nature's 
beauties  transmits  to  her  children  the 
ability  to  be  happy,  alone  with  Nature,  and 
with  God,  independent  of  life's  uncertain- 
ties. 

A  taste  and  talent  for  music  may  be 
created  and  stimulated  in  the  child  through 
a  mother's  appreciation  of  the  song  of  a 
bird. 

She  may  through  this  song  make  him 
conscious  of  perfect  harmony  and  balance ; 
she  may  set  in  motion  a  line  of  noble  and 
chaste  tendencies.  She  may  approach  the 
footstool  of  the  Creator  of  life,  and  trans- 
mit to  her  child  a  resonance  of  celestial 
symphonies  thus  heard,  a  reflection  of 
visions  thus  seen,  that  will  lift  him  to  an 

10 


exalted  plane  and  engender  spiritual  con- 
ditions which  will  be  his  inspiration  to 
great  things. 

This  was  beautifully  illustrated  in  the 
child  of  a  friend,  who,  notwithstanding 
moderate  financial  circumstances,  had  sur- 
rounded herself  with  an  unusually  exalted 
thought  atmosphere.  At  five  years  of  age, 
although  rated  by  most  people  as  a  quiet, 
imaginative  child,  he  seemed  to  those  who 
knew  him  best,  hardly  less  than  an  infant 
prodigy.  He  did  not  manifest  the  usual 
childish  curiosity  concerning  the  "whys" 
and  "wherefores"  of  being  or  of  things, 
but  in  a  quaint,  childish  fashion  would  tell 
you— if  you  happened  to  be  in  his  con- 
fidence—what they  were,  and  why  they 
were.  He  saw  the  rarest  beauties  in  a  sea 
shell,  and  would  explain  in  baby  poetry  the 
complex  causes  and  processes  of  its  beauti- 
ful colorings,  the  impressions  left  by  the 
life  the  shell  had  protected.  The  soughing 
wind  meant  to  him  sweet  lullabys  or  solemn 
commands— the  angels  were  on  the  wires. 
The  rain,  the  dewdrops  the  flowers,  every- 
thing in  Nature,  had  for  him  a  rare  and 

20 


beautiful  significance.    When  asked  where 
he  got  his  beautiful  thoughts,  he  replied : 

"God  sends  an  angel  who  tells  them  to 
me."  God's  angel  was  his  mother. 

"A  poet  in  embryo"?  Yes,  certainly,  full 
of  poetic  fancies,  yet  amazingly  practical 
withal,  for  his  mother,  aside  from  her 
spirituality  and  ideality,  was  a  practical, 
perfectly  balanced  physically  sound  wom- 
an, who  realized  that  the  world  needed 
pure  and  spiritual-minded,  practical  men 
and  women  as  well  as  poets. 

The  mother  is  most  responsible  for  the 
little  life  launched  "from  nowhere  into 
now,"  from  the  infinite  realm  of  "some- 
where" into  the  definite  world  of  action. 
During  all  of  its  nesting,  formative  period, 
it  is  influenced  by  her  health,  by  her  en- 
vironment, by  her  mental  poise  and 
spiritual  atmosphere. 

Then,  more  than  ever  she  needs  to  be 
sustained  and  soothed  by  a  tender  loving 
husband.  % 

Her    obligations    are    far    geater   than 
those  of  the  father  for  she  cradles  her 
21 


child  within  her  own  body  for  nine  months, 
nourishing  it  with  her  own  life  blood,  and 
unless  she  be  physically  strong,  the  child 
must  suffer. 

After  conception  the  father  can  effect 
the  life  of  his  child  only  through  the  care 
of  the  mother,  guarding  her  in  an  atmos- 
phere of  love  and  tenderness  that  her 
thoughts  may  direct  the  normal  function- 
ing and  nutrition  during  gestation. 

Perfect  health  tends  to  insure  not  only 
a  normal  well  poised  brain,  but  a  well 
poised  brain  tends  to  insure  the  regular 
flow  of  nourishment  to  the  growing  fetus. 

A  diseased  or  unsound  body  (and  this 
is  especially  true  where  the  organs  of  gen- 
eration are  involved)  reacts  on  the  mind, 
and  many  unnatural  symptoms  during 
pregnancy  result. 

To  bring  an  innocent  soul  from  the  in- 
finite realm  and  thrust  it  into  a  hostile 
environment,  to  struggle,  rise  or  fall,  with- 
out the  equipment  of  the  normal  heritage 
of  a  perfect  body  and  brain  is  a  tremendous 
responsibility.  The  ignorance  and  thought- 

22 


lessness  manifested  by  thousands  of  women 
on  this  subject  is  truly  lamentable. 

Each  succeeding  generation  should  pro- 
gress by  avoiding  mistakes  and  profit  by 
the  experiences,  of  the  past. 

The  reformation  and  redemption  of  the 
world,  of  society,  politics  and  commerce, 
rests  with  the  individual,  and  mothers 
should  rear  children  of  staunch  principles, 
uprightness  of  character  and  purity  of 
thought.  We  need  leaders  in  social  and 
civic  progress,  and  real  advancement  comes 
through  progress  in  the  hearts  and  minds 
of  individuals  through  the  establishment 
of  just  principles,  of  high  ideals,  and  the 
recognition  of  moral  obligations. 

We  need  rational,  intelligent  mothers, 
mentally,  morally  and  physically  sound, 
mothers  with  sufficient  courage  and  stam- 
ina to  sustain  their  convictions. 

One  strong,  well-balanced  character  can 
color  the  thought  of  a  community;  one 
strong  community  can  carry  a  city,  and  a 
city  a  state.  The  far-reaching  influence  of 
the  life  of  one  single  man  or  woman  will 

23 


never  be  known;  but  it  is  the  privilege  of 
each  to  make  the  influence  of  his  life  vibrate 
through  the  ages. 

The  evolution  and  perpetuation  of  an 
ideal  people,  of  an  ideal  civilization,  rest 
largely  with  the  mother  in  fixing  elevated 
ideals  for  her  children.  Nature  has  en- 
trusted her  with  this  responsibility,  a  re- 
sponsibility far  higher  than  is  within  the 
gift  of  man. 

Through  the  beautiful  privilege  of 
motherhood  she  may  attain  the  pinnacle  of 
fame ;  through  her  children,  she  may  realize 
the  greatest  measure  of  happiness,  contrib- 
ute the  largest  share  of  usefulness  to  the 
world.  Through  neglect  or  abuse  of  this 
privilege  she  may  do  infinite  harm. 

Children  are  not  sent  into  the  world 
merely  for  the  perpetuation  of  the  race. 
They  also  kindle  and  strengthen  all  the 
best  and  highest  in  the  mother  and  father 
natures,  they  broaden  their  lives,  elevate 
their  thoughts  and  quicken  their  sym- 
pathies and  affections.  A  child's  craving, 
therefore,  for  the  fullest  measure  of  its 
parent's  affection  is  a  natural  instinct,  im- 

24 


planted  within  it  for  a  wise  purpose.  A 
mother 's  loving  and  intelligent  response  to 
this  call  means  her  highest  evolution,  and 
insures  a  beautiful,  wholesome  atmosphere 
of  growth  for  the  child. 

Spiritual  Motherhood 

The  mere  giving  of  physical  birth  to  a 
child  is  not  motherhood  in  its  holiest  and 
best  sense.  Every  true  woman  is  a  born 
mother. 

The  Eastertide  should  begin  at  concep- 
tion, begin  when  the  mother  soul  is  illu- 
mined with  the  knowledge  that  to  her  is 
given  the  trust  of  a  soul,  the  beginning  of 
a  new  life.  The  spiritual  mother  nurtures, 
loves  and  cherishes  the  child  in  thought  be- 
fore its  advent.  She  is  uplifted  by  the 
knowledge  that  the  beauty  of  its  unfolding 
is  hers,  and  with  it  comes  the  uplifting  in- 
spiration to  create  a  perfect  life— comes 
the  realization  of  her  kinship  with  her 
Maker.  Such  is  true  motherhood,  the  phys- 
ical is  simply  the  instrument  for  its  expres- 
sion. 

25 


Mothers  there  are  in  whom  the  mother 
love,  the  mother  nature  has  developed  by 
the  thought  and  care  of  the  little  ones, 
who  have  never  given  physical  birth  to  a 
child.  This  spiritual  awakening  is  often 
noted  in  a  childless  woman,  and  the  world 
says :  *  *  She  ought  to  be  a  mother,  she  loves 
children  so. ' '  She  is  a  mother  in  truth,  in 
the  best  sense,  as  soon  as  the  mother  soul 
is  awakened. 

On  the  other  hand,  there  are  mothers 
who  have  never  realized  the  possibilities 
of  rising  above  the  mere  physiological 
machinery  of  child  bearing  and  the  ma- 
terial care  of  the  child.  Such  have  never 
given  real  spiritual  birth.  To  them  mother- 
hood means  merely  physical  pain  and  the 
mental  and  physical  effort  to  care  for  a 
child.  Such  are  to  be  pitied,  for  the  joys 
of  true  motherhood  are  to  them  a  blank 
page.  Some  friend  or  sister  who  has  ex- 
perienced the  awakening  of  the  mother  soul 
is  often  the  true  spiritual  mother  of  their 
children.  It  is  a  pity,  in  such  cases,  that 
the  spiritual  mother,  married  or  single 
often  can  not  adopt  the  child. 

26 


The  spiritual  mother  sees  to  it  that  her 
child  does  not  suffer  soul  isolation  or 
starvation.  She  sees  that  body,  mind  and 
spirit,  the  human  trinity,  receive  equal 
care. 

Great  masterpieces  on  canvas  depict  the 
beauty  of  spiritual  motherhood;  in  their 
Madonnas  they  have  achieved  the  highest 
art. 

Beautiful  copies  of  these  masterpieces, 
in  sepia  tints  and  in  black  are  sold  at  very 
modest  prices,  excellent  reproductions, 
suitable  for  most  artistic  homes.  They  are 
educative,  inspiring  and  helpful  to  any 
expectant  mother. 

Imitation 

By  example,  poise,  presence  and  move- 
ment the  mother  impresses  on  the  young 
mind  and  soul  the  mental  and  moral  results 
of  her  thoughts.* 

A  child's  tendencies  and  habits  are 
formed  before  he  leaves  the  close  compan- 

*  Publishers'    Note:       See    "Reading    of     Character    through 
Bodily   Expression"  by   Susanna  Cocroft. 

27 


ionship  of  his  mother  to  mingle  with 
friends.  If  she  is  in  good  health,  is  well 
poised  mentally,  morally  and  physically, 
she  can  at  least  meet  the  responsibilities 
of  to-day,  to-morrow,  the  future,  with  cour- 
age and  determination  to  discharge  her  full 
duty.  The  result  of  this  effort  on  her  part 
will  be  transmitted,  or  impressed,  on  her 
children,  and  will  blossom  forth  in  will 
power  and  sterling  traits  of  character. 

Example  is  more  than  precept— the  child 
grows  by  imitation.  Be  yourself  in  both 
mind  and  body  the  example  of  what  you 
would  have  him  become ;  let  your  physical 
strength  and  your  upright  attitude  inspire 
him  to  soundness,  to  freedom  and  to  up- 
rightness of  body  and  mind. 

Many  conditions  ordinarily  termed  in- 
herited are  the  unconscious  imitation  of 
parents,  or  teachers,  or  are  the  result  of 
the  nerve  impulse  which  the  child  receives 
from  the  mother  in  its  tender  years. 

Form  for  yourself,  first,  the  habit  of 
correct  bodily  poise.  The  mother  who 
moves  about  her  home  with  drooping  head 
and  chest,  rounding  shoulders  and  slouch- 

28 


ing  hips,  will  never  be  able  to  measure  the 
effect  on  those  about  her,  will  never  meas- 
ure the  depressing  effect  on  growing  chil- 
dren. 

Let  no  woman  put  a  picture  of  an  ideal 
figure  in  her  home,  for  educative  effect, 
which  is  more  beautiful  in  physical  and 
spiritual  expression  than  she  herself  is. 

The  upright  head  and  body  inspire  to  up- 
rightness of  thought;  the  rounded,  full 
chest  expresses  courage ;  the  very  lifting  of 
the  chest  and  inflation  of  a  full  draught  of 
pure  air  give  strength  and  poise.  It 
helps  to  rid  the  system  of  impurities  and 
brings  all  vital  organs  to  proper  position. 

The  reflex  action  of  bodily  poise  on 
mental  balance  is  too  broad  a  study  to  be 
discussed  here;  but,  mothers,  remember 
that  your  children  grow  by  imitation. 

Do  not  lose  sight  of  the  fact  that  happi- 
ness and  health  are  habits,  that  a  child's 
nerves  are  very  responsive,  and  habits  are 
very  quickly  formed  in  the  early  years. 

A  happy  face,  a  buoyant  poise  and  a 
cheerful  tone  have  much  to  do  in  forming 

29 


habits  of  looking  on  the  bright  side  of 
lift.  If  you  form  the  habit  of  cheer  and 
brightness  in  your  child,  by  your  own  ex- 
ample, you  have  tided  him  over  many  an 
otherwise  disagreeable  experience  in  years 
to  come.  A  habit  of  looking  on  the  duties 
of  life,  not  as  worries,  but  as  a  series  of 
events  to  be  met  with  a  well-poised  brain 
and  a  happy  mental  attitude,  is  indeed  a 
heritage.  It  is  worth  more  to  him  than 
gold. 

Inheritance  and  Environment 

Environment  plays  a  most  important 
part  in  the  lives  of  children ;  yet  if  they  are 
born  with  strong  natures  they  are  better 
equipped  to  rise  above  surroundings  which 
tend  to  degradation,  and  will  some  day 
grow  out  of  it. 

A  mother  not  only  transmits  tendencies 
to  her  children,  but  through  the  environ- 
ment and  habits  of  thought  she  creates  for 
them,  and  which  she  teaches  them  to  assist 
her  in  creating,  she  largely  determines 
their  future. 

so 


Do  not  allow  your  child  to  relax  to  the 
impression  that  he  is  a  "creature  of  en- 
vironment." Bather  train  him  in  the 
thought  that  he  can  mold  his  environment 
to  conform  to  his  highest,  best  motives  and 
purposes. 

Do  not  make  the  grievous  error  of  as- 
suming that  you  are  the  product  merely  of 
your  ancestors'  ways  of  living  and  think- 
ing and  that  your  life  is  thus  beyond  your 
control.  This  thought  is  disastrous  to  all 
endeavor. 

We  are  too  apt  to  lose  sight  of  the  fact 
that  we  inherit  good  tendencies  which  far 
outnumber  the  bad. 

"The  mothers  of  great  men  have  them- 
selves been  great,"  is  an  aphorism  based, 
to  a  degree,  on  facts,  but  often  the  world 
does  not  discover  the  mother's  greatness 
until  it  is  recognized  in  the  son.  After 
maturity  each  is,  in  the  greatest  measure, 
the  product  of  his  own  way  of  living  and 
thinking.  If  one's  progenitors  have  trans- 
mitted to  him,  certain  evil  tendencies,  it 
puts  on  him  an  obligation  to  correct  them  to 

31 


such  an  extent  that  they  will  not  be  trans- 
mitted to,  or  impressed  on  his  offspring. 
Here  one  faces  true  personal  responsibility. 

In  the  short  span  of  life  allotted  to  each 
mother  she  can  at  least  begin  a  tendency 
towards  right  and  noble  living  that  will 
conquer,  or  turn  aside,  the  evil  tendencies 
stretching  through  the  ages.  We  live  but 
for  a  day,  but  good  or  bad  influences  live 
on  and  on,  manifesting  themselves  from 
generation  to  generation,  and  impressing 
us  through  the  " choir  invisible." 

It  is  only  hereditary  tendencies  which  are 
inherited,  not  the  conditions  themselves, 
and  tendencies  can  be  corrected.  Make  the 
most  of  whatever  sterling  qualities  have 
been  transmitted  to  you,  or  impressed  on 
you,  and  you  will  reap  the  reward  of  your 
efforts  in  mental  and  spiritual  growth,  and 
in  the  advancement  of  your  children. 

Every  child  born  of  fond,  true  parents, 
with  a  clean,  wholesome  body,  who  has  been 
cherished  in  thought  and  deed  through  its 
entire  fetal  life,  is  nobly  born.  No  child 
need  ask  for  a  better  heritage.  Through 

32 


individual  integrity  and  effort,  every  man 
may  become  a  king,  every  woman  a  queen. 

Children  born  with,  or  who  have  culti- 
vated strong  wills  and  great  force  of 
character,  imitate  least ;  they  most  quickly 
rise  above  environment.  But  the  inspira- 
tion and  desire  to  rise  must  be  quickened 
by  the  right  ideals.  These  ideals  once  fixed, 
the  battle  is  half  won.  It  is  the  weaker 
nature  that  accepts  the  conditions  of  life 
as  inevitable  and  makes  no  effort  to  rise 
above  them.  Yet  this  acceptance  and  the 
habit  of  hiding  behind  environment  as  an 
excuse  may  grow  up  out  of  the  strongest  if 
the  impression  is  made  under  the  stress  of 
emotion. 

Ease  and  luxury  are  not  conducive  to  de- 
velopment. It  must  come  through  personal 
endeavor,  through  the  natural  process  of 
evolution,  or  as  an  inheritance  from  pro- 
genitors who  have  met  obstacles  and  con- 
quered them,  who,  having  conquered,  do  not 
forget  or  disregard  Nature's  immutable 
laws.  The  children  of  the  middle  class, 
born  into  environment  where  strong  and 
weak  natures  alike  are  put  to  the  crucial 

33 


test,  most  often  rise  to  greatest  power. 
Out  of  endeavor  is  born  strength  and 
courage. 

Unwholesome  ideas  should  be  banished, 
and  the  habit  of  looking  for  good  in  friend 
and  foe,  for  right  motives  underlying  all 
human  effort  should  be  fully  impressed  on 
the  growing  child.  Remember  that  good  is 
infinitely  higher  and  stronger  than  evil  and 
that  health,  kindness  and  love  are  the 
natural  states  and  the  atmosphere  for 
growth. 

Keep  the  mind  of  your  child  on  the  posi- 
tive; teach  him  to  face  the  right,  to  look 
for  the  highest  and  the  best  in  nature  and 
in  all  life,  and  you  will  give  him  the  price- 
less heritage  of  true  nobility  and  true 
happiness. 

Selection  and  Education 
for  Parenthood 

The  great  geniuses  of  the  world,  men 
and  women  who  have  done  and  dared,  who 
have  achieved,  who  have  accomplished 
most,  who  have  conferred  greatest  benefits 

34 


on  humanity,  were  born  right.  Their 
parents  made  conscientious  and  joyous  pre- 
parations for  their  coming;  they  were 
loved,  cherished  and  tenderly  fostered  in 
thought  before  their  conception. 

It  is  needless  to  add  that  harmonious  con- 
jugal relations  are  most  essential  to  such 
a  birth. 

Life  holds  no  greater  responsibility  than 
that  of  bringing  into  the  world  a  helpless 
human  being.  That  life  should  be  handi- 
capped before  it  is  given  is  heinous,  yet 
how  little  time  is  given  to  the  study  of 
eugenics.  * 

The  study  of  engenics  includes  not  only 
the  selection  for  parenthood  based  on 
heredity,  but  also  the  protection  of  those 
selected,  in  so  far  as  it  has  to  do  with 
prevention  of  the  conception  of  life. 

When  will  the  world  arouse  to  the  re- 
sponsibility of  preventing  conception  by 


*Every  young  man  and  young  woman  will  do  well  to  read 
Parenthood  and  Race  Culture  by  Caleb  William  Saleeby,  M.  D., 
Ch.  B.,  F.  Z.  R.  Edinburgh  Sexual  Knowledge  and  other  sex  books 
by  Dr.  Winfield  Scott  Hall,  Northwestern  University  Medical  School, 
Chicago. 

35 


sterilization  in  morons  or  prevention  by 
other  means  in  those  who  would  transmit 
incurable  disease  to  posterity? 

The  destruction  of  life  is  a  crime.  The 
prevention,  where  every  sign  points  to  an 
insurmountable  physical  handicap,  is  a 
duty. 

A  most  sacred  duty  devolves  on  parents 
to  educate  their  children  in  these  laws  of 
life. 

In  the  fulfillment  of  life's  evolution  a 
natural  desire  is  implanted  in  the  breast 
of  every  mother  worthy  the  name,  that  her 
children  have  better  opportunities  than  she 
has  enjoyed;  that  they  may  reach  the 
highest  possible  standard  of  mental,  moral 
and  physical  development;  that  they  may 
attain  to  the  fullest  measure  of  life's 
success  and  happiness. 

As  long  as  there  are  mothers,  ignorant 
and  narrow,  or  others  who  are  contented 
merely  to  be  pretty  and  wear  fashionable 
gowns,  who  cannot,  or  do  not  rise  above 
the  trivialities  of  gossip  and  senseless  van- 
ities of  fashion,  children  with  similar  ten- 

36 


dencies  will  be  conceived.  And  just  so  long 
as  the  world  holds  mothers  who  are 
avaricious,  greedy  for  power,  or  who 
regard  wealth,  beyond  their  personal  needs, 
as  their  god,  will  these  tendencies  be  trans- 
mitted to  their  children.  Yes,  and  just  so 
long  as  mothers  harbor  jealous,  envious, 
bitter,  unclean  and  unworthy  thoughts, 
will  these  likewise  be  transmitted  to 
posterity,  through  the  great  law  of  spirit 
impress. 

Too  many  parents  have  a  deep-seated 
idea  that  they  have  conferred  a  grave 
obligation  on  a  child  by  giving  it  birth, 
believing  that  it  should  be  humbly  grateful 
to  them  for  such  life,  no  matter  how  hard 
and  joyless  it  may  be.  Why  should  it  be 
grateful! 

Just  how  far  a  child's  moral  obligation 
to  its  parents  extends,  when  they  recognize 
no  moral  obligation  in  bringing  it  into  the 
world,  is  a  question. 

The  primary  right  of  every  child  is  to  be 
born  not  only  well,  but  "on  purpose."  If 
it  has  not  been  longed  for,  loved,  and  its 

37 


coming  anticipated  in  the  most  intelligent 
and  thoughtful  manner,  it  has  sustained 
an  injury  before  its  birth.  Maternal  love, 
when  awakened  at  conception,  however,  will 
insure  it,  to  a  very  large  extent,  advantage- 
ous prenatal  influences  and  be  an  operating 
factor  in  its  entire  life.  An  incompetent 
artist  is  merely  a  pathetic  failure ;  a  super- 
ficial woman  lawyer  simply  goes  clientless ; 
a  trivial  woman  doctor  may  get  a  chance  to 
cure  a  few  patients,  but  her  career  of  harm 
will  be  brief;  a  shallow  or  lazy  woman 
journalist  will  be  crowded  out  and  back  by 
industrious  competitors;  but  a  superficial, 
shallow,  incompetent  or  trivial  mother  will 
poison  the  stream  of  life  as  it  flows  on  and 
on  in  an  endless  widening  of  incompetence, 
of  pain  or  disease,  of  insanity  or  of  crime. 
The  realization  of  our  fondest  hopes 
comes  to  us  through  deliberate  and  intell- 
igent planning.  We  carefully  guard  our 
pet  animals  and  avoid  such  cross-breeding 
as  would  result  in  a  deterioration  of  their 
species ;  we  watch  and  tend  with  much  care 
the  flowers  of  our  garden,  giving*  them 
intelligent  stimulation  and  nourishment  to 

38 


encourage  perfect  fruition;  yet  in  the  re- 
production of  our  own  species,  the  highest, 
the  most  complicated  and  most  sacred 
process  in  Nature's  scheme,  we  depend  on 
chance  to  work  miracles. 

It  is  a  lasting  reproach  to  the  intelligence 
of  the  age  that  man,  woman  or  child  should 
feel  ashamed,  or  refrain  from  an  intelligent 
understanding  of  himself,  and  of  the  beauti- 
ful law  of  generation.  Such  a  view  of 
life's  duties  and  obligations  is  unwhole- 
some and  erroneous.  Too  many  women 
pride  themselves  on  their  ignorance  of 
these  laws  through  a  mistaken  idea  that 
such  knowledge  means  more  modesty  and 
refinement. 

Real  safety  lies  alone  in  knowledge,  not 
only  for  the  mother  and  for  young  women 
contemplating  marriage,  but  also  for  the 
child. 

The  information  should  be  imparted  by 
parents,  attended  by  the  refining  and  en- 
nobling thoughts  which  a  parent  would  in- 
stinctively give.  It  should  be  given  the 

39 


grave  importance  which  it  occupies  in  the 
life  of  every  human  being. 

Mothers,  fathers,  this  is  an  education  you 
owe  to  your  children.  Do  not  shun  it,  do 
not  give  them  the  impression  that  there 
is  anything  about  this  sacred  duty  and 
privilege  of  parenthood  which  cannot  be 
discussed  freely  with  father  and  mother. 

Many  a  young  boy  or  girl  falls  through 
ignorance  or  through  sheer  curiosity  to 
know  something  of  the,  to  them,  mystical 
sex  relation,  while  knowledge  would  have 
safeguarded  them. 

Sex  instinct  is  natural  in  every  normal 
child  and  information  will  come  to  him 
from  some  source.  First  impressions  are 
hard  to  efface.  If  the  knowledge  comes 
first  from  you,  he  will  instinctively  turn 
from  grosser  thoughts.  If  you  do  not  ex- 
plain to  him,  and  if  He  be  allowed  to  brood 
over  it  his  curiosity  may  become  morbid. 

Teach  the  young  inquirer  that  all  thought 
in  regard  to  this  instinct  should  be  kept 
clean  and  upright,  for  the  sacred  duty  of 
parentage,  and  the  perpetuation  of  sound 

40 


manhood  and  womanhood.  Make  him  to 
know  that  true  parenthood  means  pure 
thoughts,  a  clean  life  and  noble  respon- 
sibilities. 

The  true  education  of  our  girls  must 
teach  them  to  guard  and  protect  their 
bodies,  as  the  temple  of  life  to  come.  False 
modesty  in  refraining  or  shrinking  from 
this  knowledge  of  generation  is  "  woman- 
ish, "  not  womanly. 

Every  young  girl  should  know  that  the 
young  man  to  whom  she  plights  her  troth 
is  clean  in  mind  as  well  as  in  body.  That 
he  is  manly.  To  be  manly  is  to  understand 
himself  and,  understanding,  to  be  the  mas- 
ter of  his  instincts  so  that,  at  such  suitable 
time  as  marriage  seems  wise  and  best,  he 
may  transmit  life  in  the  spirit  of  a  high 
purpose— that  his  offspring  may  have  all 
the  heritage  of  sound  mind  and  body  nur- 
tured by  the  wise  protection  of  intelligent 
parenthood. 

The  following  are  a  few  books  which  are 
helpful  for  one  preparing  for  motherhood 
to  read: 


1— "Parenthood  and  Race  Culture, "  by  Caleb  William  Saleeby 12.50 

2—  "In  Tone  with  the  Infinite."  by  Ralph  Waldo  Trine 1.00 

3— "Growth  in  Silence,"  by  Susanna  Cocroft 1.60 

4— "Power  in  Bepose,"  by  Anna  PayBon  Call 1.00 

6— "The  Kingship  of  Self  Control."  by  William  George  Jordan 60 

6— "The  Woman  Worth  While."  by  Susanna  Cooroft 1.60 

7— "The  Majesty  of  Calmness,"  by  William  George  Jordan SO 

8— The  Poems  of  Longfellow.  VVhittier,  Wordsworth  and  Bryant,  •«.  1.20 

8— "Modern  Painters."  by  John  Ruskin,  6  vols 6.00 

10— "Sesame  and  Lilies,"  by  John  Buskin 60 

11— "Birds  and  Bees,"  by  John  Burroughs 40 

12-  "How  to  Enow  the  Wild  Flowers,"  by  Mrs.  Dana  2.00 

IS— "Excursions  in  Forest  and  Field,"  by  Henry  I).  Thoreau 1.20 

14— "Bird  Life,"  by  Chapman 40 

15— "Self  Sufficiency,"  by  Susanna  Cocroft 75 

16—  "Adventures  in  Contentment,"  by  David  Grajson 1.25 

17— "Adventures  in  Friendship,"  by  David  Grayson 1.25 


Power  in  Repose 

Too  large  a  percentage  of  mothers,  alas, 
give  full  rein  to  their  emotional  natures, 
losing  sight  of  the  fact  that  real  power  lies 
in  repose.  They  do  not  reason,  they  sim- 
ply feel  and  suffer,  hampering  their  men- 
tal growth  through  emotionalism.  Since 
the  emotional  qualities  are  of  a  more  prim- 
itive nature  than  the  mental  ones,  they  are 
oftener  transmitted  to  the  child. 

During  the  first  impressionable  years, 
when  mind,  body,  and  spirit  are  plastic  as 
the  artist's  clay,  the  character  of  his 
thoughts,  and  the  trend  of  his  life  are 
mouldable  by  the  mother  love,  the  home 
atmosphere  and  thought  influence.  A  man 
seldom  gets  far  away  from  the  teaching  at 
his  mother's  knee. 

42 


The  most  lasting  impressions  are  not 
alone  imparted  to  him  through  her  voice, 
but  the  deep,  silent  impress  of  lofty  thought 
comes  through  the  vibrations  in  the  quiet 
hour,  from  the  depth  and  power  within. 
"Only  the  serene  soul  is  strong." 

This  strength  in  repose,  in  silence,  is  best 
attained  through  the  aid  of  a  sound  body, 
because  a  sound  body  means  a  clear  brain 
and  only  through  a  clear  brain  can  the 
mind  and  soul  function  truly. 

When  this  woman's  spiritual  insight  is 
safe-guarded  by  a  practical  knowledge  of 
her  own  being,  she  is  capable  of  fulfilling 
her  highest  mission  in  life— true  wifehood 
and  true  motherhood. 

No  better  or  stronger  qualities  are  trans- 
missible to  one's  child  than  self-control 
and  the  power  of  resistance,  in  its  broadest 
sense.  The  mother  who  cultivates  these 
traits  instills  into  her  child  a  natural  power, 
not  only  to  resist  disease,  but  mental  and 
moral  temptations,  and  thus  hands  down 
to  posterity  a  priceless  legacy. 

43 


Spend  a  little  time  each  day  in  silence 
that  you  may  keep  in  close  harmony  with 
the  Master  Musician  who  holds  the  key- 
note and  keeps  in  vibration  every  chord  of 
your  being.  He  is  holding  you  closely  now ; 
you  are  now  a  Divine  instrument  with  the 
trust  of  a  soul ;  you  are  starting  the  rhythm 
of  a  new  life.  It  is  sacred  music.  Listen, 
and  in  the  silence  of  the  ' '  inner  chamber, ' ' 
with  the  door  shut,  you  will  hear  the  Divine 
chord,  audible  to  you  alone. 


Organs  Of  Generation 

The  generative  organs  form  a  wonder- 
fully intricate  and  perfect  system,  all  work- 
ing in  harmony  to  fulfill  Nature's  grand 
purpose— the  perpetuation  of  the  race. 

Nature  has  provided  these  organs  with 
the  greatest  possible  security.  The  con- 
tour of  the  abdomen  and  thighs  affords 
protection.  The  buttocks  form  thick  cush- 
ions of  strong  muscles  and  shield  the  pelvic 
cavity  in  sitting  or  falling,  and  in  this  nest, 
packed  about  with  muscular  tissue  and  fat, 

44 


the  generative  organs  rest  secure  from  all 
but  the  gravest  disaster. 

The  sacrum  also  partially  protects  the 
generative  organs,  their  nerves,  arteries 
and  veins,  from  the  weight  of  the  intestines 
from  above,  throwing  the  greater  part  of 
the  weight  on  the  abdominal  walls.  These 
walls  in  a  healthy,  well-poised  woman,  hold 
the  intestines  in  place. 

The  habit  of  sitting  on  the  end  of  the 
spine,  or  of  standing  with  the  chest  de- 
pressed and  the  thigh- joints  forward  how- 
ever, will  crowd  all  abdominal  viscera  out 
of  place.  High-heeled  shoes,  likewise, 
throw  the  lower  pelvis  forward  and  lessen 
the  protection  that  the  sacrum  naturally 
affords  the  uterus  and  the  ovaries. 

The  bones  of  the  lower  trunk  form  the 
pelvic  basin.  The  ossa  innominata,  the 
irregular  pubic  bones  which  form  the  sides 
and  front  of  this  basin,  curve  to  meet  in 
front,  the  point  of  meeting  being  known  as 
the  symphysis  pubis.  Its  upper  edge  is 
about  three  inches  below  the  highest  pro- 
jections of  the  hip  bones. 

45 


The  public  arch  is  formed  by  the  under 
portion  of  the  symphysis  (Fig.  1).  The 
posterior  borders  of  these  bones  unite  with 


Fig.  1 — Female  Pelvis  seen 
from  the  front. 


Fig.  2 — Outlet  of  Pelvis 
seen  from  below. 


Fig.  3. 


the  sacrum,  the  triangular  section  of  the 
lower  spine,  consisting  of  five  vertebrae 
solidly  united.  Its  lower  or  narrower  end 

46 


is  attached  to  the  coccyx,  the  termination 
of  the  spine.  (See  small  projecting  bone 
at  the  end  of  the  spine  in  Fig.  3).  The 
coccyx  sometimes  becomes  displaced  or 
bent  as  the  result  of  a  fall. 

The  space  enclosed  by  these  bones  is 
known  as  the  pelvic  cavity. 

The  open  spaces  in  the  wall  of  this  basin 
are  filled  with  muscular  tissue.  Tissue  also 
forms  the  floor  of  the  pelvic  cavity,  and 
fills  the  space  between  the  tip  of  the  coccyx 
and  the  pubic  bones  in  front.  The  bones 
of  the  pelvis  are  so  firmly  bound  together 
by  ligaments  that  movement  is  almost  im- 
possible. An  exception  is  made,  however, 
at  the  junction  of  the  coccyx  and  the  in- 
nominate bones  with  the  sacrum,  ennabling 
the  bones  to  separate  slightly  in  childbirth. 
This  gives  more  room  for  the  exit  of  the 
child.  The  pelvic  bones  which  form  the 
front  of  the  basin  also  spread  slightly  at 
childbirth,  especially  in  a  young  mother. 

The  pelvic  cavity,  which,  in  women, 
measures  from  four  and  one-half  to  five 
and  one-half  inches  in  diameter,  contains 


the  generative  organs  which  consist  of  the 
vagina,  the  uterus,  the  fallopian  tubes  and 
the  ovaries. 


Location  of  Organs 

Looking  down  on  the  true  pelvis  from 
above,  the  uterus,  the  fallopian  tubes,  and 
the  ovaries  have  the  appearance  of  being 
suspended  in  a  swing,  formed  by  nest  of 
ligaments,  held  in  place  by  other  rope-like 
ligaments.  But  for  this  ingenious  arrange- 
ment of  liganuents,  which  Nature  has  pro- 
vided to  hold  them  in  place,  and  to  give 
them  the  freedom  and  ease  they  require, 
the  organs  of  generation  would  lie  help- 
lessly on  the  floor  of  the  pelvis.  This 
suspension  enables  the  organs  to  move  with 
every  breath  (particularly  in  deep  breath- 
ing) and  with  every  motion  of  the  lower 
body. 


48 


Fig.  4. — CORRECT  POSITION  OF  PELVIC  ORGANS. 

1.  Uterus;  2.  Ovary;  3,  Fallopian  tubes:  4,  Peritoneum  which 
covers  the  ligaments  supporting  the  uterus;  5,  Bladder;  6,  Os,  or 
opening  into  the  uterus;  7,  Vagina;  8,  Rectum. 

It  will  be  noted  that  the  uterus,  in  correct  poise,  slants  for- 
ward at  an  angle  of  above  forty-five  degrees. 

The  bladder  lies  just  in  front  of  the 
vagina,  and  the  rectum  just  behind  it. 
Hence,  any  disturbance  of  the  generative 
organs  may  affect  both  the  bladder  and  the 
rectum. 

The  peritoneum  is  the  membrane  which 
lines  the  abdomen  and  covers  the  abdomi- 
nal and  pelvic  organs.  It  dips  down  into 
the  lower  pelvis,  completely  covering  the 

49* 


upper  part  of  the  uterus,  the  fallopian 
tubes  and  the  ovaries,  presenting  to  them 
a  smooth  surface  to  prevent  friction  from 
the  contact  of  the  various  parts. 

This  dipping  of  the  peritoneum  in  front 
and  back  of  the  generative  organs  forms 
two  folds,  which  envelop  the  organs  and 
form  the  ligaments  which  hold  them  in 
place.  On  each  side  a  fold  envelops  the 
uterus,  the  fallopian  tubes  and  ovaries, 
and  then  passes  to  the  walls  of  the  pelvis 
and  upward.  From  the  uterus  two  folds 
pass  backward,  encircling  the  rectum, 
thence  upward. 

There  is  also  a  dipping  down  of  the  peri- 
toneum which  forms,  between  the  uterus 
and  rectum,  a  blind  pouch  extending  down 
the  rectum  and  possibly  a  quarter  the 
length  of  the  vagina.  At  the  termination 
of  this— that  is,  below  it — the  front  wall 
of  the  rectum  and  back  wall  of  the  vagina 
are  practically  one.  Between  the  vagina 
and  bladder,  in  front  of  the  uterus,  the 
peritoneum  dips  again,  below  which  the 
front  wall  of  the  vagina  and  the  posterior 

50 


walls  of  the  bladder  and  urethra  are  prac- 
tically one. 

Since  any  condition  which  -causes  im- 
poverished blood  weakens  the  ligaments, 
rendering  them  so  relaxed  that  they  are 
unable  to  hold  the  organs  in  proper  posi- 
tion, displacements  or  prolapsus  may  re- 
sult and  formerly  operations  were  per- 
formed for  this  condition,  the  uterus  being 
stitched  to  the  abdominal  wall  (a  position 
as  unnatural  as  the  displacement).  Often 
all  that  is  needed  is  to  build  up  the  general 
tone  of  the  entire  system  by  regular  exer- 
cise, breathing  and  diet.  Nature  will  thus 
strengthen  the  ligaments  to  hold  the  organs 
in  natural  position. 

Happily  the  use  of  the  knife  for  the 
correction  of  weakened  ligaments  is  becom- 
ing less  frequent.  The  knife  does  not  cor- 
rect the  cause  of  the  weakness,  nor  does  it 
strengthen  the  nerves  or  connecting  tissues. 

Exercises  may  be  particularly  directed 
to  promote  a  better  circulation  through  the 
pelvic  organs,  or  to  any  vital  organ,  thus 
bringing  more  blood  and  more  nutrition  to 

51 


them,  just  as  exercises  bring  more  nourish- 
ment and  strength  to  the  arms  or  the  legs. 
In  case  of  prolapsus  of  the  uterus,  unless 
the  peritoneum  has  been  wasted*  away,  or 
punctured,  there  is  no  more  reason  in  cut- 
ting out  a  piece  of  the  ligaments  support- 
ing the  uterus  and  sewing  them  together  to 
shorten  them,  than  there  is  in  shortening 
flabby  arm  muscles  by  cutting  out  a  piece 
and  sewing  them  together.  Proper  nu- 
trition, brought  to  any  muscle  by  exercises, 
thus  a  better  circulation  and  a  better  blood 
supply,  will  give  tone  to  any  organ. 

Unless  the  organ  itself  and  the  surround- 
ing tissues  are  strengthened  the  weight  of 
an  organ  stitched  to  another  will  drag  it 
down. 

Since  the  bowels  rest  on  the  pelvic  or- 
gans, one  can  readily  understand  that  tight 
lacing,  the  weight  of  heavy  clothing  press- 
ing on  the  abdomen,  or  an  incorrect  posi- 
tion of  the  body  while  standing  or  sitting, 
tends  to  crowd  the  bowels  down  on  these 
delicate  organs.  This  may  cause  irrepar- 
able injury  by  cramping  them,  or  crowding 

52 


them  out  of  correct  position.  This  will  not 
only  undermine  the  health,  but  greatly  in- 
creases the  dangers  and  suffering  during 
pregnancy  and  in  childbirth. 

Correct  poise  of  the  body  in  walking  and 
in  standing  therefore  is  of  utmost  import- 
ance. 

When  the  generative  organs  are  in 
correct  position,  as  indicated  by  Figure  4, 
they  are  able  with  every  movement  of  the 
torso  to  move  forward,  backward  and  side- 
wise  slightly.  The  space  in  which  they 
are  held  is  small  and  their  movement 
necessarily  restricted ;  but  the  exercise  thus 
furnished  is  essential  to  perfect  circulation 
of  pure  blood  through  them  and  to  a 
healthy  condition. 

The  promontory  of  the  sacrum  (the  for- 
ward projection  at  the  upper  end)  partly 
overhangs  the  uterus  and  furnishes  the 
only  firm  support  of  the  bowels  at  that 
point.  It  can  therefore  be  readily  seen 
that  a  correct  poise  of  the  sacrum,  as  well 
as  the  entire  spine,  is  most  essential  to  the 
protection  of  the  generative  organs. 

53 


The  standing  position  of  a  very  large 
percent  of  women  is  such  as  to  throw  the 
thigh  joint  too  far  forward.  This  forces 
the  promontory  of  the  sacrum  backward 
and  the  coccyx  forward.  All  the  pelvic 
organs  are  thus  forced  out  of  position  and 
the  abdominal  and  pelvic  organs  lose  the 
support  afforded  by  the  sacrum. 

The  contents  of  both  cavities— the  upper 
and  lower  pelvis— are  held  in  proper  posi- 
tion by  the  muscular  walls  of  the  abdomen. 
Proper  and  scientific  exercise  during  preg- 
nancy therefore,  should  strengthen  these 
muscular  walls,  that  they  may  support  the 
weight  of  the  child. 

The  Vagina 

The  Vagina  is  a  highly  elastic  tube,  ex- 
tending from  the  vulva  to  the  uterus. 
(See  7,  Fig.  4).  Its  walls  curve  backward 
following  the  course  of  the  rectum  and  are 
slightly  flattened.  It  varies  in  size  and 
length,  according  to  the  individual.  The 
upper  end  if  firmly  attached  to  the  neck 
of  the  uterus,  which  protrudes  into  it  about 

54 


three-fourths  of  an  inch.  It  is  Jined  with 
mucous  membrane,  and  is  supplied  with 
numerous  little  mucous  crypts  which  in  a 
healthy  condition  pour  out  a  sufficient 
amount  of  mucus  to  lubricate  the  parts. 

The  lower  orifice  of  the  vagina  is  sur- 
rounded by  elastic  tissues  capable  of  great 
distension— one  of  Nature's  provisions  to 
prevent  injury  at  childbirth.  When  these 
tissues  are  healthy,  they  stretch  without 
harm,  and  readily  resume  their  normal 
position.  When  inelastic,  however,  they 
are  often  torn  at  the  birth  of  a  child.  The 
tissues  between  the  vagina  and  anus,  called 
the  perineum,  are  often  lacerated  at  child- 
birth; sometimes  this  muscular  wall  be- 
tween the  vagina  and  rectum  is  almost 
wholly  destroyed. 

The  Uterus  (See  7,  Fig.  4)  is  pear 
shaped  and  consists  of  two  parts ;  the  body, 
the  upper  large  extremity  of  which  is 
called  the  fundus,  and  the  cervix  or  neck, 
the  smaller  extremity,  around  which  is  at- 
tached the  upper  portion  of  the  vagina.  It 

55 


receives  the  impregnated  ovum  and  retains 
it  during  the  term  of  pregnancy. 

The  uterus  is  about  three  inches  long, 
two  inches  broad  and  one  inch  thick.  It  is 
composed  of  three  coats.  The  external 
covering  is  of  serous  membrane,  a  part  of 
the  peritoneum;  the  internal  coat  is  of 
mucous  membrane.  Lying  between  these 
two  is  the  muscular  coat  which  forms  the 
greater  part  of  the  organ,  the  inner  cavity 
being  small  compared  to  the  size  of  the 
uterus. 

In  normal  position  the  uterus  lies  inclin- 
ing forward  at  an  angle  of  45  degrees  be- 
tween the  bladder  and  rectum,  suspended 
by  its  eight  ligaments.  The  most  import- 
ant of  these  are  the  lateral  or  road  liga- 
ments, and  the  round  ligaments.  The 
broad  ligaments  are  formed  of  folds  of 
peritoneum  extending  from  the  uterus  to 
the  sides  of  the  pelvis.  Between  the  folds 
lie  the  ovaries,  the  fallopian  tubes  and  the 
round  ligaments  which  pass  down  and  for- 
ward to  their  points  of  attachment. 

The  cavity  of  the  uterus  is  shaped  like 
a  triangle,  its  base  upward.  Its  anterior 

56 


and  posterior  walls  are  in  close  relation, 
the  upper  angles  containing  the  opening  of 
the  fallopian  tubes. 

The  uterine  lining  consists  of  mucous 
membrane  which  is  smooth,  soft  and  pale 
red.  In  it  lie  the  uterine  glands.  When 
pregnancy  occurs  the  lining  is  thrown  into 
folds  or  ridges  which  serve  as  points  of 
attachment  for  the  developing  ovum  and 
allow  for  the  distention  of  the  uterine 
walls. 

The  mucous  membrane  lining  the  cervix, 
or  neck  of  the  uterus,  is  continuous  with 
that  lining  the  body,  but  presents  numerous 
folds  which  are  so  arranged  that  they  re- 
semble the  trunk  and  branching  limbs  of  a 
tree.  Hence  they  have  been  called  the 
arbor  vitae  or  tree  of  life.  They  become 
more  or  less  indistinct  after  childbirth. 
The  cervix  narrows  at  its  inner  and  outer 
portions  into  small  openings  known  as  the 
inner  and  outer  os  or  mouth.  The  inner 
opens  into  the  cavity  of  the  uterine  body; 
the  outer  into  the  vagina. 

The  cervix  contains  numerous  tiny 
glands  which  secrete  an  alkaline  mucus. 

57 


This  serves  to  keep  the  tissues  moist. 

The  muscular  coat  of  the  uterus  contains 
three  closely  connected  layers  of  muscle 
fibers.  As  they  run  in  different  directions 
they  secure  the  thorough  contraction  of  the 
uterus  during  and  after  childbirth.  This 
coat  contains  the  blood  vessels. 

During  menstruation  these  blood  vessels 
become  enlarged  as  more  blood  surges  into 
them  due  to  the  vaso  motor  nerve  influence, 
[reflected  from  the  ripening  egg  in  the 
ovary;  probably,  also,  from  the  peculiar 
influence  exerted  by  the  ovarian  secretion. 

During  the  term  of  pregnancy  the  inter- 
lacing of  the  muscle  fibers  in  every  direc- 
tion permits  the  enormous  uniform  expan- 
sion of  the  uterus  to  accommodate  the 
growing  child. 

After  childbirth  the  uterus  regains  near- 
ly its  normal  size,  but  the  cervix  shows  the 
fissures  caused  by  the  exit  of  the  child  and 
the  cavity  of  the  body  is  larger  than  in  the 
virgin  state. 

It  can  be  seen  from  its  location  and  the 
way  it  is  hung  in  the  pelvic  basin  or  cavity 
how  easily  it  may  be  displaced  by  an  over 

58 


full  bladder  or  rectum  or  be  prolapsed  by 
the  pressure  of  the  intestines  and  other 
abdominal  organs  above  it.  Faulty  sitting 
or  standing  postures  may  cause  it  to  be 
bent  forward  or  backward  with  pressure 
on  the  nerves  and  congestion  in  the  blood 
vessels.  All  sorts  of  uterine  difficulties  and 
derangements  of  menstruation  are  thus 
brought  about. 

High  heeled  shoes  have  a  tendency  to  tip 
the  uterus  backward. 

Blood  Vessels.— The  arteries  of  the 
uterus  are  remarkable  for  the  twisted, 
winding  course  they  take  through  the 
uterine  tissues.  They  make  frequent  join- 
ings with  other  arteries,  thus  forming  a 
dense  network  with  its  general  direction 
horizontally  around  the  organ.  The  veins 
are  also  numerous  and  join  freely  with  each 
other  but  do  not  twist  and  wind  like  the 
arteries.  Because  of  the  general  direction 
of  the  vessels  there  is  a  greater  tendency 
toward  stagnation  of  the  blood.  For  this 
reason  congestion  of  the  uterus  frequently 
occurs.  Hence  the  necessity  of  securing  a 

59 


free  circulation  of  pure  blood,  by  exercises 
for  all  of  the  pelvic  organs. 

Nerves.— A  perfect  network  of  nerves 
covers  the  face  of  the  sacrum  behind  the 
uterus.  Everywhere  throughout  the  gen- 
erative system  are  nerve  centers  and  nerve 
fibres  branching  in  all  directions.  These 
small  branches  unite  with  the  great 
branches  which  enter  the  spinal  cord, 
thence  running  to  the  brain.  The  sympa- 
thetic nerve  centers  controlling  these  or- 
gans are  particularly  sensitive. 

The  sympathetic  nerves  equalize  the  cir- 
culation and  regulate  the  distribution  of 
nutriment.  A  diseased  condition  of  the 
organs  of  generation  interferes  with  this 
equal  distribution  of  nutriment,  impairs 
circulation,  and  affects  the  entire  nervous 
system.  * 

An  incorrect  poise  of  the  spine,  common 
to  so  many  women,  causes  pressure  on 
these  nerves,  weakens  them,  and  the  entire 

•Publishers*  Note:  The  nerves  controlling  the  generative 
system  are  clearly  shown  on  cuts  published  in  the  "Body 
Manikin"  and  in  "The  Nervous  System,"  by  Susanna  Cocroft. 

60 


generative  system  suffers  in  consequence. 
High  heels  cause  such  pressure. 

The  nervous  system  is  too  intricate  and 
delicate  a  piece  of  machinery  to  be  mis- 
used or  abused ;  an  incorrect  poise  and  con- 
sequent pressure  on  nerve  centers  and  gan- 
glia is  a  flagrant  abuse  of  it,  and  is  the 
primary  cause  of  much  suffering. 

The  Fallopian  Tubes  extend  from  the 
upper  angles  of  the  uterus  to  the  ovaries 
(See  3,  Fig.  3).  They  are  about  four  inches 
in  length.  They  are  located  in  the  folds  of 
the  broad  ligament  of  the  uterus.  Their 
walls  are  muscular,  the  tissues  being  con- 
tinuous with  the  tissues  of  the  uterus. 

The  Fallopian  Tubes  convey  the  eggs,  or 
ova,  from  the  ovaries  to  the  uterus.  They 
open  into  the  abdominal  cavity  by  trumpet- 
shaped  mouths,  which  terminate  in  a 
fringe,  or  a  number  of  slender  finger-like 
filaments.  To  aid  the  conveying  of  the 
ovum  to  the  uterus  the  mucous  membrane 
lining  the  tubes  is  provided  with  a  vast 
number  of  minute  cilia,  or  hair-like  pro- 

61 


cesses,  which  forces  the  ovum  towards  the 
uterus. 

When  ovulation  or  the  expelling  of  the 
ripened  ovum  occurs,  the  fringed  end 
receives  the  ovum  which  is  propelled  to- 
ward it  by  the  movement  in  the  peritioneal 
fluid  occasioned  by  the  wave-like  action  of 
the  cilia. 

The  Ovaries- Nature  has,  indeed,  shown 
marvelous  care  and  ingenuity  in  construct- 
ing the  ovaries.  (See  2,  Fig.  4).  The 
uterus  cradles  the  egg  or  ovum  after  im- 
pregnation until  the  time  of  birth,  but  the 
ovaries  are  the  nests  in  which  the  eggs  are 
stored.  A  woman  deprived  of  them  loses 
a  priceless  possession,  for  they  not  only 
play  a  very  important  part  in  her  bodily 
and  mental  growth,  but  on  them  depends 
the  propagation  of  mankind.  Therefore, 
their  disease  or  removal  is  resented  by 
every  part  of  the  body,  and  both  mind  and 
body  often  suffer.  Their  influence  on  de- 
velopment is  so  great  that  when,  as  is 
sometimes  necessary,  they  are  removed  at 
an  early  age,  neither  the  uterus  nor  pelvis 

62 


develops  as  it  should  at  the  time  of 
puberty. 

They  are  situated  on  either  side  of  the 
uterus,  below  and  behind  the  fallopian 
tubes,  in  the  folds  of  the  broad  ligament. 
They  are  about  the  size  and  shape  of  an  al- 
mond, from  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half 
in  length,  about  three-quarters  of  an  inch 
in  breadth,  and  about  a  third  of  an  inch 
thick.  Each  ovary  consists  of  a  number  of 
little  follicles  or  cavities  set  in  a  frame- 
work of  connective  tissue,  and  supplied 
with  blood  vessels,  nerves,  lymphatics,  and 
muscular  fibers.  Each  follicle  is  about  one 
one-hundredth  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  ex- 
cept those  which  contain  the  ova  near  their 
ripening.  These  are  larger,  more  irregular 
and  contain  a  transparent  albuminous  fluid 
in  which  the  egg  is  suspended. 

Even  before  birth  the  rudimentary  eggs 
contained  in  the  ovaries  of  a  female  child 
are  discernible.  There  are  thousands  of 
these  minute  eggs,  each  one  occupying  its 
little  follicle,  each  follicle  having  an  abund- 
ant and  independent  supply  of  blood,  as 
well  as  an  independent  set  of  nerves. 

63 


During  the  girl's  childhood  and  youth 
Nature  expends  all  her  forces  in  the  pro- 
cess of  development  of  brain,  bone  and 
muscle.  The  ovaries,  however,  lie  prac- 
tically dormant  until  the  age  of  puberty, 
when  they  take  on  an  activity  which  they 
retain  throughout  the  entire  child-bearing 
period. 

At  each  menstruation  an  egg  ripens  in 
one  of  the  follicles.  It  bursts  through  its 
thin  covering,  enters  the  fallopian  tube  and 
passes  to  the  uterus.  If  it  becomes  im- 
pregnated in  the  tube,  as  is  now  thought  to 
be  usually  the  case,  it  may  be  several  days 
before  the  ovum  reaches  the  uterus.  Mean- 
while changes  have  been  going  on  in  the 
mucous  lining  of  the  uterus.  It  is  thrown 
up  into  folds  or  ridges,  one  of  which  re- 
ceives the  ovum  which  has  already  begun 
to  develop  into  an  human  embryo.  If  not 
impregnated,  the  ovum  passes  away. 

There  is  a  supposition  that  the  ovaries 
alternate  with  each  other  in  ripening  an 
egg  at  menstruation.  This  is  not  proven. 
Many  efforts  at  pre-natal  determination  of 
sex  have  been  the  result  of  this  theory. 

64 


Thousands  of  the  rudimentary  eggs  perish 
in  their  follicles  undeveloped.  When  all 
that  Nature  intends  to  use  have  ripened 
and  been  cast  out,  the  menopause  (change 
of  life)  occurs,  and  the  child-bearing 
period  is  ended. 

Puberty 

In  the  life  of  every  individual,  plant, 
animal  or  human,  there  is  a  time  when  it 
is  capable  of  reproducing  itself.  In  the 
human  this  is  called  the  period  of 
puberty.  The  entire  system  undergoes 
rapid  changes.  The  boy  or  girl  shoots 
quickly  up  into  the  stature  of  manhood  or 
womanhood.  It  is  at  this  time  that  the 
ordinary  parents  show  such  criminal  lack 
of  wise  guidance  of  the  boy  or  girl.  Many 
cases  of  life-long  invalidism  might  be  pre- 
vented if  parents  were  alive  to  their  busi- 
ness of  parenthood.  The  decreasing 
vitality  of  the  average  American  should 
awaken  serious  thought  as  to  the  reasons 
therefor  and  methods  to  prevent  further 
decrease.  Over  work  in  school,  late  hours, 

65 


social  dissipation,  faulty  habits  of  eating, 
wrong  mental  tone,  all  cause  an  influence 
on  the  body  at  this  critical  time,  the  effects 
of  which  may  be  indeed  visited  on  the 
second  and  third  generation. 

Parents  should  particularly  see  to  it  that 
young  people  stand  upright  at  this  time— 
especially  is  this  true  of  the  growing  girl. 
As  will  be  seen  in  a  preceding  chapter, 
the  baby  boy  and  girl  should  be  reared 
from  birth  with  the  idea  of  their  potential 
parenthood.  Wise  care  of  the  growing 
child  will  do  away  with  many  of  the 
problems  that  beset  the  age  of  adole- 
scence. Much  of  the  wilfulness  that  de- 
velops at  this  time  is  simply  the  result  of 
the  effort  of  the  boy  and  girl  to  "find  them- 
selves." And  conscious  of  not  being  un- 
derstood by  those  who  should  understand, 
finding  poor  help  or  no  help  at  all  in  them, 
they  grope  their  way  toward  anything  or 
anybody  from  whom  they  may  gain  the 
knowledge  they  dimly  feel  they  must  have, 
though  they  do  not  know  just  what  it 
should  be. 

66 


It  seems  strange  that  parents  who  re- 
member their  own  thoughts  and  feelings 
at  this  period  are  so  careless  and  indiffer- 
ent as  to  what  is  going  on  in  the  minds  of 
their  children.  What  gross  misunderstand- 
ing, and  lack  of  all  delicacy  of  perception, 
do  we  constantly  see  in  the  action  of 
parents  toward  their  children  during  this 
time  of  transition. 

The  mind,  as  well  as  the  body,  is  alter- 
ing to  fit  new  conditions;  the  will  is 
vacillating,  is  changeable.  The  emotions 
are  largely  in  the  ascendant;  children  are 
intuitive,  they  feel,  they  do  not  reason. 
Their  emotions  are  variable,  so  that  unless 
self-control  has  been  taught  the  boy  or  girl 
from  infancy,  habits  may  be  acquired  which 
will  be  a  distinct  detriment  to  their  well 
being  in  the  future. 

In  the  girl  the  pelvis  broadens  and  deep- 
ens, the  uterus  and  ovaries  rapidly  develop, 
the  ova  begin  to  mature  and  the  function 
of  menstruation  is  established. 

The  tenderest  solicitude  should  be  shown 
young  girls  from  ten  to  sixteen  years 
of  age.  Not  only  should  they  be  fully  in- 

67 


formed  by  their  mothers  regarding  this 
natural  function,  but  their  health  should  be 
guarded  with  the  utmost  care,  and  under 
no  circumstances  should  they  be  over- 
worked, physically  or  mentally.  The  health 
of  thousands  of  our  young  girls  is  wrecked 
by  overstudy  during  these  years. 

Menstruation 

Until  comparatively  recent  years,  it  was 
generally  believed  that  menstruation  de- 
pended on  the  maturing  of  the  ovum  and 
its  release  from  the  ovary.  However,  since 
removal  of  the  ovaries  has  established  the 
fact  that  a  woman  sometimes  menstruates 
regularly  without  these  organs,  the  theory 
that  menstruation  depends  on  ovulation  has 
been  disputed. 

However  it  is  agreed  that  there  is  some 
connection  between  the  function  pf  the 
ovary  and  the  appearance  of  the  menses, 
although  its  exact  nature  has  not  yet  been 
learned.  It  is  a  fact,  that  in  countries  in 
which  early  marriages  are  the  rule,  children 
have  been  born  before  their  mothers  have 

68 


menstruated.  Children  have  been  born 
after  the  cessation  of  the  menses  at  the 
time  of  the  menopause.  So  the  ovarian 
influence  cannot  be  said  to  be  invariable. 

Menstruation  after  puberty  recurs,  as  a 
rule,  every  twenty-eight  days  and  con- 
tinues, on  an  average,  for  four  days.  It 
terminates  with  the  menopause,  or  change 
of  life.  It  usually  covers  a  period  of  from 
thirty  to  thirty-five  years,  varying  with 
climate,  race  and  individual. 

A  normal  and  healthy  discharge  of  blood 
during  menstruation  brings  a  sense  of  well 
being— the  brain  is  cleared,  the  nerves  re- 
lieved. It  will  be  plainly  seen  that  the 
blood  supply  should  be  normal,  the  organs 
developed  and  in  correct  position,  in  order 
that  there  may  be  no  impediment  to  the 
natural  flow. 

It  was  formerly  thought  that  the  source 
of  menstruation  was  the  disintegration  of 
the  lining  of  the  uterus,  which,  together 
with  waste  of  the  system  was  discharged 
monthly.  Later  investigations  have  proven 
that  in  normal  menstruation  this  lining  is 

69 


not  destroyed,  only  a  few  of  the  epithelial 
cells  being  removed.  An  excessive  amount 
of  blood  is  sent  to  the  pelvic  organs  at  this 
time,  and  the  tiny  capillaries  are  swollen 
and  gorged  with  blood.  Some  of  them 
apparently  rupture  from  the  strain,  while 
the  blood  oozes  through  the  thin  walls  of 
others,  collecting  like  sweat  on  the  surface 
of  the  lining  membrane. 

In  cases  in  which  the  texture  of  the  lining 
membrane  changes  whereby  it  is  softened 
and  loosened  and  finally  discharged,  the 
structure  of  the  uterus  is  altered.  Sterility 
accompanies  this  condition,  the  uterus  be- 
ing unable  to  retain  the  ovum. 

It  has  been  practically  proved  that  the 
ripening  of  the  ovum  takes  about  14  days 
after  menstruation  begins  and  its  discharge 
from  the  ovary  occurs  then.  From  this  it 
has  been  supposed  that  the  function  of 
menstruation  is  to  fit  the  uterus  for  the 
attachment  and  growth  of  the  ovum. 

When  the  follicle  containing  the  egg 
ruptures  and  the  egg  is  discharged,  there 
remains  a  substance  which  forms  what  is 

70 


called  the  corpus  luteum.  Since  the  ovary 
is  one  of  the  ductless  glands  it  has  been 
thought  that  the  corpus  luteum  furnishes 
the  hormone  or  secretion  which  exerts  a 
peculiar  effect  on  the  uterine  tissue.  In 
pregnancy  the  corpus  luteum  enlarges  and 
remains  throughout  the  entire  term.  It  is 
thought  that  it  furnishes  the  secretion 
which  keeps  the  uterus  in  good  tone  for  the 
growth  of  the  child.  If  pregnancy  does  not 
occur,  the  corpus  luteum  gradually  dimin- 
ishes in  size  and  shrinks  into  a  minute  scar 
on  the  surface  of  the  ovary. 

The  ovaries  are  more  vascular  at  the 
time  of  menstruation,  owing  to  the  in- 
creased activity  of  the  generative  system. 
As  the  ripened  ovum  bursts  through  its 
membrane  and  tears  the  epithelial  cover- 
ing of  the  ovary,  there  is  a  small  discharge 
of  blood  from  the  tearing  of  the  tiny  capil- 
laries. 

When  the  rupture  of  the  uterine  capil- 
laries occurs,  several  days  elapse  before 
the  torn  tissues  unite.  The  length  of  the 
flow  is  determined  by  the  length  of  time 
taken  by  the  capillaries  to  heal  themselves. 

71 


A  prolonged  menstrual  flow  indicates 
that  the  capillaries  have  not  healed.  This 
may  be  due  to  impoverished  blood  which 
prevents  its  coagulation.  An  excess  of  the 
ovarian  hormone  also  prevents  the  coagula- 
tion of  the  blood.  A  weakened  condition  of 
the  nerves  or  a  foreign  growth  may  also 
be  a  cause. 

After  the  menopause  the  generative  or- 
gans, having  no  further  active  work  to  do, 
shrink. 

The  flow,  which  is  pink  in  color  at  the 
beginning  of  menstruation,  becomes,  at  its 
height,  the  color  of  arterial  blood,  gradual- 
ly changing  to  a  rusty  color.  Any  abnor- 
mal odor  or  coagulation  of  the  flow  indi- 
cates a  deranged  condition,  just  as  a  foul 
breath  indicates  a  stagnant  condition  of  the 
digestive  system. 

The  majority  of  women  menstruate  dur- 
ing the  first  quarter  of  the  moon,  a  few  at 
new  and  full  moon. 

While,  as  a  rule,  menstruation  occurs 
every  twenty-eight  days,  yet  a  woman  may 

78 


be  perfectly  normal  and  menstruate  regu- 
larly every  three  weeks.  In  some  cases  the 
time  between  the  periods  is  lengthened  in- 
stead. If,  in  such  cas"es,  she  remains  en- 
tirely well  and  the  period  recurs  regularly, 
it  is  evident  that  this  is  a  physical  pecul- 
iarity, and  there  is  no  cause  for  worry. 

In  some  women  the  flow  may  be  irregular. 
In  these  cases  the  flow  is  usually  delayed 
from  two  days  to  a  Week,  while  in  other 
respects  the  health  seems  perfect.  In  these 
cases  menstruation  would  seem  to  depend 
on  ovulation,  the  ova  ripening  irregularly. 

It  is  natural  for  some  women  to  men- 
struate profusely  and  feel  all  the  better 
for  it,  while  others  have  but  a  scant  flow 
yet  feel  perfectly  well.  If  this  has  always 
been  the  case  and  the  health  is  unimpaired 
by  the  frequency  and  quantity  of  menstrua- 
tion, ,  it  cannot  be  regarded  in  such  indi- 
viduals as  abnormal.  If,  on  >the  other 
hand,  the  health  is  affected  by  such  fre- 
quency, profusion  or  scantiness  of  the  flow, 
an  abnormal  condition  is  indicated  and 
should  be  corrected  at- once,  else  in  time  the 
health  will  seriously  suffer.  As  a  rule  the 

73 


flow  is  more  profuse  in  warm  climates  than 
in  cold. 

The  process  of  menstruation  not  only 
involves  energy,  but  the  generative  organs 
become  highly  sensitized,  owing  partly  to 
the  unusual  nerve  stimulus  and  to  the 
greatly  increased  blood  supply.  The 
uterus,  the  fallopian  tubes  and  ovaries  may 
be  considerably  congested,  because  they 
have  their  certain  work  to  do  in  connection 
with  the  process.  This  increases  the  weight 
of  the  organs  and  the  strain  on  the  liga- 
ments. 

Since  this  is  a  natural  function,  it  should 
be  painless. 

Ovarian  extract  lessens  blood  pressure 
and  the  coagulability  of  the  blood.  The 
secretion  of  this  extract  is  thought  to  pre- 
vent clotting  of  the  menstrual  blood.  It 
also  has  some  influence  on  the  thyroid 
gland. 

Only  perfect  health  will  enable  the  or- 
gans to  bear  the  intense  strain  placed  on 
them  at  this  time.  They  are  benefited, 
however,  and  bear  it  painlessly  if  in  a 

74 


healthy  condition,  just  as  the  liver, 
stomach,  lungs,  etc.,  are  rendered  healthier 
and  stronger  by  properly  doing  the  work 
which  Nature  designed  for  them. 

Pregnancy 

When  conception  takes  place,  a  woman 
assumes  the  crowning  responsibility  of  her 
life,  for  she  then  enters  into  the  marvelous 
work  of  creation— into  a  partnership  with 
God.  She  is  then  confronted  by?  the  wond- 
rous mystery  of  life — physical,  mental  and 
spiritual.  She  is  a  sacred  instrument  in 
fulfilling  a  most  beautiful  and  most  immut- 
able law  of  Nature. 

It  is  needless  to  say  that  she  should  ap- 
proach the  subject  with  the  utmost  rever- 
ence, and  with  such  knowledge  as  is  pos- 
sible to  finite  intelligence. 

Anticipation  of  this  Eastertide  in  her 
life  must  draw  her  closer  to  her  Maker, 
must  awaken  and  enkindle  Divine  aspira- 
tions. A  soul  has  been  entrusted  to  her 
care— a  child  which  may  become  under  her 
guiding  hand  a  happy  and  useful  member 

75 


of  society  or  a  discontented  incompetent— a 
burden  to  society  and  a  reproach  to  the 
mother  who  bore  him. 

The  prospective  mother  should  guard, 
therefore,  her  health,  her  thought,  her  con- 
duct. She  lives  no  longer  to  herself  alone ; 
her  life-physical,  mental,  spiritual  during 
the  nine  months  of  gestation  moulds  to  an 
extent  as  yet  unknown  the  health,  the  hap- 
piness and  the  destiny  of  her  child— an 
immortal  who  may  have  the  potentates  of  a 
Mozart,  a  Liszt,  a  Titian,  a  Coreggio,  a 
Bonheur,  an  Eliot,  a  de  Stael,  a  Willard,  a 
Patti,  a  Shakespeare,  a  Savonarola,  a 
Ruskin,  a  Gladstone,  a  Lincoln. 

In  preparing  for  pregnancy  a  woman 
should  see  to  it  that  her  body  is  perfectly 
sound  and  wholesome,  in  condition  to  bear 
a  pure,  sweet  and  healthy  child.  Since  a 
mother's  vital  energy  is  severely  taxed 
during  pregnancy  she  needs  abundant  re- 
serve force  at  this  time,  for  her  mental 
strength  and  moral  poise  depend  on  this. 
She  must  also  be  sufficiently  strong  in  the 
thought  of  the  new  life  entrusted  to  her, 
to  resist  influences— be  they  physical  ap- 

76 


petites  or  mental  or  moral  weaknesses— 
which  militate  against  her  strength  and 
menace  the  life  and  well  being  of  her  child. 
Otherwise  she  is  in  no  condition  for  the 
sacred  privilege  of  motherhood.  If  any 
disease  exists,  especially  of  the  genital 
organs,  she  should  be  promptly  and  pro- 
perly treated.  By  far  the  best  and  only 
right  method  is  to  correct  any  disease  or 
weakness,  and  prepare  body  and  mind  for 
the  new  life  and  new  duties  before  con- 
ception. 

The  wife  and  mother  must  be  sufficiently 
strong  in  spiritual  and  mental  force  to 
assert  her  rights  of  womanhood  and 
motherhood,  and  at  the  same  time  cement 
the  affection  andi  retain  the  homage  of  her 
husband.  A  true  man  will  give  to  his  wife 
a  sacred  deference,  respect  and  chivalry  at 
such  a  time,  which  draws  closer  the  tender, 
holy  bond  between  them.  The  thought  of 
the  dainty  baby  fingers  is  an  invisible  link 
stronger  than  legal  bands. 

Any  violation  of  the  purpose  of  Nature 
at  this  time  in  an  effort  to  destroy  the  em- 
bryonic child  is  a  crime  and  an  outrage. 

77 


' '  Thou  shall  not  kill ' '  thunders  Sinai.  The 
crime  degrades  the  mother  who  kills  her 
child— as  much  hers  at  one  month  as  one 
year.  She  has  insulted  Nature  and  the 
effect  upon  her  future  life  in  dulling  her 
moral  responsibilities  is  incalculable. 

She  has  denied  herself  the  highest 
privilege  in  the  gift  of  the  Creator— a  joint 
partnership  in  the  granting  of  life  to  a 
human  soul. 

The  processes  involved  in  pregnancy  are : 
Ovulation,  Impregnation,  Gestation  and 
Parturition. 

By  Ovulation  is  meant  the  escape  of  the 
ovum  or  egg  from  the  ovary. 

By  Impregnation,  the  contact  and  min- 
gling of  the  male  sperm  with  the  ovum  or 
female  germ. 

By  Gestation,  the  development  of  the 
ovum  in  the  uterus  during  its  stages  of  em- 
bryonic or  fetal  life. 

By  Parturition,  the  birth  of  the  child. 

Ovulation  has  been  discussed  under  men- 
struation. Nature  has  ingeniously  arrang- 

78 


ed,  through  floral  and  vegetable  kingdoms, 
for  the  reproduction  of  species.  For  in- 
stance, in  plants,  whose  blossoms  contain 
both  the  male  and  female  principle,  the 
parts  are  so  arranged  that  when  the  male 
pollen  ripens  it  drops  on  the  female  ovules 
beneath,  and  fertilizes  them.  On  one  plant 
some  of  the  blossoms  may  be  male  and 
others  female.  When  all  blossoms  are 
either  male  or  female,  as  in  the  strawberry, 
the  male  and  female  varieties  should  be 
planted  in  alternate  rows,  or  the  berries 
will  grow  smaller  and  smaller  each  year 
and  the  plants  finally  cease  to  yield  fruit. 

Certain  insects,  enticed  by  a  secretion 
of  honey,  go  within  the  blossoms  to  seek 
it.  As  they  do  so,  they  brush  against  the 
pistil  which  is  covered  with  pollen.  Having 
gathered  the  honey  the  bee  or  other  insect 
flies  to  other  flowers  to  secure  their  store. 
Should  the  flower  be  a  female  the  pollen  is 
deposited  from  the  legs  of  the  bee  on  the 
stamens  which  wait  to  receive  it.  Thus 
fertilization  is  complete  and  the  seeds  ripen 
to  produce  other  plants  of  the  same  species. 

79 


In  this  way  the  perpetuation  of  the  race 
of  plants  is  secured. 

Impregnation  is  the  uniting  of  positive 
and  negative  forces.  It  occurs  when  the 
male  sperm  meets  the  matured  human 
ovum;  the  fertilized  ovum  finds  lodgment 
and  develops  in  the  uterus,  and  a  new  life 
is  begun. 

The  ovum  or  egg,  after  it  matures  and  is 
discharged  from  the  ovary,  may  retain  its 
life  for  from  six  to  eight  days,  and  con- 
sume that  length  of  time  in  making  its 
exit  from  the  uterus — in  the  event  of  its 
not  becoming  impregnated.  With  many 
women  the  ovum  passes  off  within  twenty- 
four  to  forty  hours  after  the  cessation  of 
the  menses. 

Ordinarily  impregnation  is  likely  to 
occur  within  six  or  eight  days  after  men- 
struation—or a  few  days  preceding  it. 
However,  exceptions  to  this  may  occur  in 
diseased  conditions,  or  in  cases  of  a  long 
separation  of  husband  and  wife.  It  seems 
also  a  fairly  well-proved  fact  that  the  male 

80 


sperm  will  live  for  some  days,  if  retained 
in  its  own  element  at  a  certain  temperature. 

As  stated,  it  is  now  pretty  well  establish- 
ed that  the  ovum,  or  egg,  is  fertilized  in  the 
fallopian  tube.  However,  conception  may 
take  place  at  any  point  in  the  generative 
tract.  Fertilization  has  taken  place  even 
at  the  ovary,  and  as  the  impregnated  ovum 
enlarges  in  this  location  it  forms  what  is 
known  as  an  abdominal  or  extra-uterine 
pregnancy.  If  it  develops -in  the  fallopian 
tube  it  is  called  a  tubal  pregnancy. 

The  male  sperm  has  been  known  to  mi- 
grate as  far  as  the  ovary,  which  is  only  2^ 
inches  from  the  uterus.  It  is  probable  that 
there  is  some  chemical  attraction  between 
the  male  and  female  germs. 

The  normal  cervical  opening  into  the 
uterus  through  which  the  male  sperm  must 
pass  is  small.  The  relaxed  condition  of  the 
organ  during  menstruation,  however,  when 
perfectly  normal,  permits  the  opening  to 
enlarge  somewhat.  It  might  be  inferred 
that  the  relaxed  condition  attending  and 
following  coition  would  also  tend  to  enlarge 
this  opening  slightly. 

81 


Many  cases  of  sterility  are,  doubtless, 
due  to  an  almost  closed  cervix. 

Although  menstruation  usually  ceases 
when  conception  takes  place— since  the 
uterus  needs  all  of  its  energies  for  the  de- 
velopment of  the  embryonic  child— yet 
there  are  exceptions  to  this  rule.  Since 
the  menses  may  cease  from  other  causes 
than  conception,  the  non-appearance  of  the 
flow  does  not  always  indicate  that  concep- 
tion has  occurred. 

The  story  of  impregnation  and  the  de- 
velopment of  the  ovum  is  wonderfully  in- 
teresting. As  in  the  ovary,  each  tiny  germ 
cell  lies  in  its  follicle  in  an  albumin-like 
fluid  so  in  the  male  sperm  millions  of  germ 
cells  are  also  contained  in  an  albumin-like 
fluid.  The  germ  cell  in  the  male,  however, 
consists  of  a  round  or  oval  cell  body  to 
which  is  attached  a  tail-like  filament.  It  is 
by  means  of  this  so-called  tail  that  the 
germ-cells  move  and  migrates. 

As  though  endowed  with  reason  they  be- 
gin their  search  for  the  waiting  ovum.  They 
migrate  through  the  cervix  into  the  uterus 
and  through  the  uterine  canal  to  the  fal- 

82 


lopian  tubes.  There  they  meet  the  ovum. 
You  may  have  noticed  in  the  yolk  of  a  hen 's 
egg  a  tiny  spot.  In  all  ova  this  spot  exists 
and  is  called  the  germinal  spot  or  nucleus. 

The  germ  cells  surround  the  ovum  and 
strive  to  enter  it.  Several  may  pierce  the 
outer  envelope,  but  only  one  reaches  the 
germinal  spot.  On  its  way  through  the 
ovum  it  loses  its  tail  as  it  is  no  longer 
needed  for  progression.  The  head  pro- 
ceeds to  the  germinal  spot,  fuses  with  it 
and  impregnation  is  complete. 

Each  germ  cell,  the  father  and  mother 
cell,  contains  all  the  peculiarities  of  the 
generations  which  have  produced  it. 
Family  traits,  color  of  hair  and  skin,  fine- 
ness or  coarseness  of  texture,  height, 
physical  or  mental  strength,  tendency  to 
disease— all  are  in  the  germ  cell. 

Some  of  the  traits  which  are  recessive 
in  one  generation  become  dominant  in  the 
next,  so  that  children  sometimes  present 
the  features  and  reproduce  the  actions  of 
some  ancestor  two  or  three  generations 
back.  Contained  in  the  tiny  developing 

83 


ovum  are  potentialities  which  will  make  an 
Aaron  Burr  or  a  Lincoln,  a  scientist,  a  poet 
or  a  criminal,  as  its  characteristics  are  fost- 
ered or  repressed  by  correct  or  incorrect 
parental  training. 

Gestation.— Immediately  after  impregna- 
tion the  uterus  begins  to  prepare  a  lining, 
or  nest,  for  the  reception  of  the  precious 
embryonic  guest,  which  it  must  nurture 
and  guard  for  nine  months. 

Extraordinary  provisions  must  be  made 
for  the  care  of  the  delicate  and  minute  egg, 
and  for  its  development  through  the 
various  stages  of  fetal  life.  The  uterine 
lining  is  thrown  up  into  soft,  velvety  folds, 
allowing  an  increased  blood  supply  and  the 
necessary  stretching  of  the  enlarging 
uterus.  All  the  surplus  blood  and  great 
nerve  activity  is  consumed  in  this  pro- 
cess. 

Rapid  and  remarkable  changes  take 
place  in  the  ovum  after  the  small  germinal 
spot  within  the  minute  egg  is  united  with 
the  male  sperm.  By  this  union  the  inscrut- 

84 


able  forces  of  Nature  are  put  into  opera- 
tion to  bring  forth  a  new  life.  New  im- 
pulses are  awakened,  to  which  a  woman's 
whole  being  responds,  all  her  powers  mak- 
ing astonishing  readjustments,  for  her  life 
is  now  a  dual  one,  and  she  must  meet  the 
responsibility  of  nurturing  two  lives.  The 
new  life  within  her  must  live  as  she  does. 
Its  processes  of  growth  require  nourish- 
ment, circulation,  repair,  waste  and  a  kind 
of  respiration.  These  will  be  performed 
well  or  ill  according  to  her  own  condition — 
the  manner  in  which  they  are  performed 
determining  the  future  condition  of  her 
child. 

In  from  five  to  eight  days  after  con- 
ception a  membrane  known  as  the  chorion 
is  formed  around  the  ovum.  The  internal 
surface  of  the  chorion  is  supplied  with 
villi  or  tufts  which  resemble  mulberry 
seed;  it  is  from  these  that  the  embryo  re- 
ceives its  nutrition.  The  mucous  membrane 
of  the  uterus,  which  rises  in  folds  to  form 
the  nest  for  the  embryo,  is  known  as  the 
decidua  vera ;  later  it  entirely  envelops  the 
ovum  and  is  then  known  as  the  decidua 

85 


reflexa.  About  the  third  month,  the  pla- 
centa begins  to  develop  from  tufts  of  the 
chorion  and  the  decidua  reflexa. 

The  placenta  is  Nature's  provision  for 
the  nourishment  of  the  fetus;  that  is,  it 
serves  the  combined  purpose  of  furnishing 
nutrition  and  respiration  to  the  fetus 
through  its  circulation.  It  is  seven  inches 
in  diameter,  and  one  inch  thick  at  the  cen- 
ter, thinning  at  the  edge.  At  full  term  it 
weighs  from  three-fourths  to  one  and  one- 
fourth  pounds.  The  placenta,  together 
with  the  decidua  reflexa  and  the  umbilical 
cord,  are  known  as  the  ' '  after-birth. " 

The  placenta  is  a  spongy  body  and  is 
connected  by  the  umbilical  cord  to  the  fetus. 
Although  it  lies  in  complete  juxtaposition 
with  the  uterus,— an  almost  imperceptible 
membrane  interposing, — its  fibers  and 
blood  do  not  interlace  with  those  of  the 
uterus.  Both  nutrition  and  excretion  are 
accomplished  by  transudation  through  this 
very  attenuated  membrane. 

The  uterus  and  placenta  each  have  a  dis- 
tinct set  of  blood  vessels  and  capillaries, 
and  a  separate  circulation.  The  lungs  in 

86 


the  fetus  are  dormant;  the  placenta  serves 
the  office  of  both  lungs  and  digestive  or- 
gans. From  the  placenta  oxidized  blood  is 
brought  to  the  fetus,  through  the  umbili 
cal  vein,  and  after  traveling  the  entire  cir- 
cuit, collecting  the  waste  and  impurities,  it 
is  taken  back  to  the  placenta  by  two  umbili- 
cal arteries,  which  are  given  off  from  the 
, iliac  arteries  of  the  mother. 

At  birth  the  umbilical  veins  form  the 
round  ligaments  of  the  liver,  and  the  um- 
bilical arteries  the  round  ligaments  of  the 
uterus  in  the  female,  and  the  urachus,  a 
ligament  of  the  bladder,  in  the  male. 

The  umbilical  cord  is  made  up  of  two 
arteries  and  one  vein,  covered  by  the  mem- 
brane continuous  from  the  child.  It  is  from 
two  to  four  feet  in  length,  attached  at  one 
extremity  to  the  placenta,  at  the  other  to 
the  navel  of  the  child.  This  is  the  medium 
of  circulation  from  the  placenta  to  the 
fetus. 

The  membranes  all  unite  before  birth  to 
form  a  thick,  tenacious  covering  for  the 
child.  These  enclose  the  fluid— the  liquor 

87 


amnii— which  serves  to  protect  the  fetus 
from  blows  or  sudden  jars.  The  mem- 
branes, and  the  contained  fluid,  form  what 
is  known  as  the  "bag  of  waters";  not  rup- 
turing before  birth,  they  make  what  is 
called  a  veil  or  caul  over  the  child's  face, 
to  which  is  attached  various  superstitions. 

Eadical  and  important  changes  in  char- 
acter, size  and  position  take  place  in  the 
uterus  during  pregnancy.  For  the  -first 
three  months  the  gravid  uterus,  although  a 
little  lower  than  ordinary,  remains  in  the 
pelvic  cavity.  As  the  fourth  month  ap- 
proaches the  enlarging  uterus,  being  incon- 
venienced in  the  small  pelvis,  gradually 
forces  itself  upward  into  the  more  commo- 
dious false  pelvis  above,  and  lies  entirely 
within  this  at  four  and  a  half  months.  At 
this  time,  life  is  felt,  as  a  rule,  indicating 
that  half  the  period  of  gestation  has 
passed.  Life,  however,  begins  from  the 
moment  of  conception,  although  not  per- 
ceptible during  the  earlier  months  of  gesta- 
tion, because  of  the  position  of  the  uterus 
within  the  pelvic  basin. 

88 


The  growth  of  the  child  being  rapid 
during  the  second  half  of  the  period  of 
gestation,  the  abdominal  walls  yield  accord- 
ingly. Therefore,  they  particularly  need 
strength  and  elasticity  at  this  time  in  or- 
der that  disfigurement  and  weakness  of  the 
walls  may  be  prevented.  This  strength 
and  elasticity  can  be  gained  by  regular  ex- 
ercises for  the  abdominal  walls. 

Not  only  is  the  quantity  of  a  mother's 
blood  altered  and  increased  during  preg- 
nancy, but  the  character  is  also  changed. 
The  heart,  having  more  than  ordinary 
work  to  do,  increases  in  size  about  one- 
fifth.  It  still  remains  large  if  the  mother 
nurses  the  child  after  birth,  more  blood 
being  required  for  the  work  of  preparing 
and  storing  milk.  Hence  a  stronger  heart 
is  needed  to  keep  it  moving  properly,  and 
the  importance  of  deep,  full  breathing  at 
this  time  cannot  be  overestimated. 

The  spleen  and  liver  also  increase  in 
size. 

The  palpitation  of  the  heart,  which  is 
likely  to  occur  at  such  a  time,  is  due  to  the 

89 


pressure  of  the  enlarged  uterus  upon  ad- 
joining organs. 

One  may  well  imagine  how  greatly  the 
delicate  and  complicated  nervous  system  is 
involved  in  this  process;  the  brain  and 
spinal  centers  which  govern  the  genera- 
tive organs  have  not  only  become  cogni- 
zant of  the  inception  of  a  new  life,  but  are 
sending  to  the  uterus  unusual  forces. 

The  nerves  of  the  pregnant  woman  be- 
come highly  keyed,  hence  she  is  very  im- 
pressionable. She  should,  therefore,  have 
the  greatest  possible  care  and  comfort 
both  mental  and  physical.  The  functions 
of  the  sensory  and  motor  nerves  are  often 
found  perverted,  and  the  mother  needs 
soothing  influences  and  special  tenderness. 
If  she  is  nervous,  fretful,  irritable  and 
unreasonable,  she  should  be  given  the 
utmost  consideration,  for  if  she  is  not 
constitutionally  strong  and  in  perfect 
health,  her  digestion  is  likely  to  suffer, 
hence  her  body  will  not  be  properly  nour- 
ished, which  will  affect  her  inerves  and 
cause  a  depression  of  spirits. 

90 


Parturition,  or  the  escape  of  the  child, 
is  effected  by  the  contraction  of  the  muscu- 
lar fibers  of  the  body  of  the  uterus  simul- 
taneously with  the  relaxation  of  the  muscu- 
lar fibers  of  its  mouth.  The  contractions, 
of  the  uterus  proceed  in  a  peristaltic 
manner  from  the  fallopian  tubes  to  the 
cervix,  occupying  twenty  or  thirty  seconds. 

In  a  perfectly  healthy  state  the  contrac- 
tions of  the  uterus  occur  periodically  and 
rhythmically,  the  body  gathering  strength 
in  the  intervals  for  the  next  effort. 

Although  the  pressure  of  the  uterine 
walls  in  these  contractions  is  great,  it  is 
not  so  great  as  to  injure  the  child.  If, 
however,  the  uterus  is  in  an  inflamed  or 
swollen  condition,  this  pressure  is  more 
than  likely  to  cause  the  mother  excruciat- 
ing pain. 

According  to  a  wise  provision  of  Nature, 
fatty  degeneration  of  the  membrane  lying 
between  the  uterine  walls  and  the  placenta 
takes  place  just  before  parturition,  causing 
the  placenta  to  be  easily  shed  from  the 

91 


uterus  at  labor.  It  is  likely  to  adhere  to 
the  uterus,  however,  if  that  organ  is  in  an 
unhealthy  condition.  It  is  here  also  that 
exercise  that  keeps  up  a  circulation  of 
good  blood  through  the  uterine  walls  aids 
in  the  normal  contraction  of  these  blood 
vessels,  and  in  a  complete  disintegration 
of  the  above  membrane. 

A  failure  of  the  uterus  to  shed  the  pla- 
centa properly  paves  the  way  not  only  to 
placental  adhesions,  but  the  uterine  lining, 
from  which  the  placenta  must  be  torn,  may 
form  scar  tissue,  resulting  in  many  serious 
disturbances. 

If  the  uterus  is  lacking  in  strength  or 
tone,  it  will  contract  too  feebly  to  expel 
the  child,  in  which  event  mechanical  deliv- 
ery may  be  necessary.  On  the  other  hand 
the  tissues  may  be  too  rigid  to  contract 
readily,  delaying  delivery  and  prolonging 
suffering. 

Too  much  stress  cannot  be  laid  on 
regular  exercise,  correct  breathing  and 
diet  for  the  mother  during  pregnancy. 
Above  all  things  the  mother  should  live 

92 


hygienically  during  the  pregnancy  period. 
She  will  save  herself  much  pain,  much 
expense,  and  insure  a  normal  tone  after 
parturition  if  she  puts  herself  under  the 
direction  of  a  health  specialist  who  studies 
her  case  and  gives  her  diet  and  exercise 
adapted  to  her  condition. 

The  tissues  of  the  abdominal  walls  be- 
come greatly  stretched  during  pregnancy. 
They  are  also  likely  to  lose  tone  and  remain 
stretched  after  confinement.  This  con- 
dition is  not  only  disfiguring,  but  the  flabby 
abdominal  walls  do  not  furnish  the  abdom- 
inal viscera  the  support  that  is  essential  to 
perfect  health. 

Properly  directed  exercises  after  child- 
birth will  not  only  repair  the  damage,  but 
will  restore  the  firmness  and  tone  of  the 
abdominal  walls. 

The  fact  that  savage  women  and  animals 
have  practically  painless  confinements 
proves  that  severe  pain  at  parturition  is 
unnecessary. 

This  is  a  purely  natural  process  and 
should  be  accepted  as  such  without  worry. 

93 


Indications  of  Pregnancy 

The  first  and  most  important  signs  of 
pregnancy  are: 

1.  Cessation  of  menstruation. 

2.  Changes  in  the  breasts. 

3.  Morning  sickness. 

4.  Disturbances  in  urination. 

The  cessation  of  the  menses  is  probably 
the  most  significant,  yet  other  causes  may 
operate  to  retard  or  suspend  the  menstrual 
flow. 

Tenderness,  stinging  and  prickling  of  the 
breasts  are  another  indication. 

In  the  beginning  of  pregnancy  there  is 
often  a  desire  to  empty  the  bladder  very 
frequently,  chiefly  due  to  the  irritation 
against  the  bladder,  caused  by  tne  growing 
uterus.  This  irritation  usually  disap- 
pears, however,  when  the  uterus  begins  to 
rise  in  the  abdomen  after  the  first  few 
weeks. 

Of  course,  the  most  significant  sign  of 
pregnancy  is  the  movement  of  the  child 
in  the  uterus,  or  the  "quickening."  When 
this  occurs,  of  course  there  is  scarcely  any 
room  for  doubt  as  to  the  definite  sign. 

94 


How  to  Count  the  Days 

Nine  months  of  thirty  days  each  is  com- 
monly termed  the  pregnancy  period.  To 
estimate  more  closely  physicians  usually 
count  forward  280  days  from  the  begin- 
ning of  the  last  menstrual  period,  thus  al- 
lowing seven  days  for  the  menstrual  period. 
Another  method  is  to  count  back  three 
months  from  the  beginning  of  the  last 
period  and  then  add  seven  days.  For  ex- 
ample if  the  last  menstruation  occurs  on 
September  30th,  count  back  three  months 
to  June  30th  and  add  seven  days  which 
would  bring  it  to  July  6th.  This  would  be 
the  approximate  date  of  confinement, 
though  very  seldom  does  delivery  occur  on 
the  exact  date. 

Preparation  for  Confinement 

It  is  becoming  more  and  more  common 
for  women  to  go  to  a  hospital  for  con- 
finement and  while  this  is  not  absolutely 
necessaiy  if  one  has  a  competent  nurse  and 
doctor  engaged,  it  is  safer  because  if  any 
emergency  occurs  all  necessary  appliances 

95 


are  ready  for  use  and  extra  doctors  and 
nurses  are  at  hand.  It  is  cheaper  because 
so  many  things  are  at  hand  in  the  hospital 
which  the  mother  would  need  to  provide  in 
the  home.  The  nurse's  salary,  board  and 
laundry  would  need  to  be  provided  at  home 
and  it  is  wise  for  every  expectant  mother 
to  engage  a  nurse  for  at  least  two  weeks. 
The  routine  care  of  the  child  in  most  cases 
after  confinement  can  be  provided  by  the 
nurse  on  the  floor,  though  most  physicians 
prefer  to  have  a  special  nurse  for  one  week 
in  the  hospital.  This  nurse,  of  course, 
must  be  paid  independent  of  the  hospital 
fees. 

It  is  wise  for  every  mother  to  engage 
this  nurse  in  advance  whether  the  confine- 
ment be  at  home  or  whether  she  have  this 
special  nurse  for  a  week  at  the  hospital. 

The  mother  needs  the  well  earned  rest 
that  a  trained  nurse  gives  her  by  taking 
all  responsibility. 

It  is  needless  to  say  that  the  brightest 
room  in  the  house,  with  the  most  cheerful 
surroundings,  should  be  selected  for  con- 

96 


finement,  for  the  rest  of  mind  and  pleasant 
surroundings  mean  much  to  the  mother  at 
this  time. 

Mrs.  Max  West  of  the  Children's 
Bureau,  Department  of  Health,  Washing- 
ton, gives  the  following  as  necessary  equip- 
ment for  confinement  and  for  the  baby: 

Supplies  Needed 

If  the  confinement  is  to  take  place  at 
home,  the  following  articles  are  likely  to 
be  needed: 

Two  to  four  pounds  of  absorbent  cotton. 

One  large  package  of  sterile  gauze  (25 
yards). 

Four  rolls  of  cotton  batting. 

Two  yards  of  stout  muslin  for  abdomin- 
al binders. 

Twelve  old  towels  or  diapers. 

Two  old  sheets. 

Two  yards  of  bobbin,  or  very  narrow 
tape,  for  tying  the  cord. 

From  these  supplies  the  mother  or  nurse 
may  make  the  necessary  pads  and  band- 

97 


ages,  which  should  then  be  sterilized,  in 
accordance  with  directions  which  follow. 
Other  things  that  may  be  needed  aro : 

One  hundred  bichlorid  of  mercury 
tablets. 

Four  ounces  powdered  boric  acid. 

One  bottle  of  white  vaselin. 

One  pound  of  Castile  soap. 

One  quart  of  grain  alcohol. 

One  douche  pan. 

One  stiff  hand  brush. 

One  slop  jar  or  covered  enamel  bucket. 

Three  pottery  or  agateware  basins,  one 
16  inches,  and  two  11  inches  in  diameter. 

Pitchers,  at  least  three,  holding  1  quart 
and  upward. 

One  and  one-half  yards  of  rubber  sheet- 
ing, at  least  36  inches  wide,  or 

One  and  one-half  yards  of  white  table 
"ilcloth,  to  protect  the  mattress. 

One  2-quart  fountain  syringe. 

One  medicine  glass. 

One  medicine  dropper. 

One  drinking  tube. 

98 


Preparation  of  Dressings 

Sanitary  pads. — These  are  used  to  ab- 
sorb the  discharge  after  the  mother  has 
been  delivered.  They  are  10  inches  long 
and  4  inches  wide.  As  absorbent  cotton  is 
comparatively  expensive,  it  will  be  found 
more  economical  to  make  the  greater  part 
of  each  pad  of  the  batting,  facing  one  side 
with  a  layer  of  the  absorbent  kind.  Cut 
the  sterile  gauze  into  pieces  of  the  right 
size  to  fold  around  the  cotton,  and  extend 
2  or  3  inches  beyond  it  at  each  end.  These 
pads  should  be  about  an  inch  thick,  and  at 
least  5  dozen  will  be  needed.  They  are 
pinned  front  and  back  to  the  abdominal 
binder,  which  is  simply  a  strip  of  cotton 
cloth  12  inches  wide  and  long  enough  to  be 
fastened  comfortably  around  the  abdomen. 

Delivery  pads.— These  pads  should  be  a 
yard  square  and  4  inches  thick.  Cotton 
batting  may  form  the  principal  part  of  the 
thickness,  but  the  top  layer  of  absorbent 
cotton  should  be  at  least  1  inch  thick.  Make 
two  of  these  pads.  Cotton  waste,  if  boiled 
in  washing  soda  and  dried  thoroughly  in 

99 


the  sun,  makes  a  cheap  and  effective  filling 
in  the  place  of  batting,  but  as  the  texture 
is  very  loose  a  thicker  layer  must  be  used. 
If  necessary,  newspapers  may  be  used 
both  to  protect  the  mattress  and  for  the 
delivery  pads.  For  the  latter  use  they 
should  be  covered  with  old  sheets  which 
have  been  sterilized. 

Gauze  sponges.— Two  dozen  of  these 
will  be  needed.  They  are  made  by  cutting 
sterile  gauze  into  15-inch  lengths,  the  width 
of  the  gauze.  Fold  down  one  raw  edge 
about  3  inches ;  double  the  strip  by  putting 
the  selvage  edges  together,  having  the  raw 
edge  of  the  fold  on  the  outside.  Fold  this 
into  thirds  both  ways  and  turn  the  sponge 
inside  out,  so  as  to  have  all  the  raw  edges 
inside. 

Cotton  pledgets. — These  are  wads  of  ab- 
sorbent cotton,  the  size  of  an  egg,  having 
the  ends  of  the  cotton  twisted  into  the  roll. 
Make  several  dozen  and  put  them  in  a 
small  pillowcase  or  cheesecloth  bag. 
100 


Gauze  squares.— Cut  fifty  4-inch  squares 
of  the  gauze.  These  will  be  used  to  wash 
the  baby's  eyes  and  for  other  purposes. 

Bobbin.— Cut  ordinary  cotton  into  six  9- 
inch  lengths  for  tying  the  cord. 

How  to  sterilize.— It  is  possible  to  steri- 
lize the  dressings  in  the  oven,  but  as  dry 
heat  "is  less  effective  than  moist  heat,  and 
tEere  is  danger  of  scorching  by  this  method, 
it  is  better  to  use  steam.  To  accomplish 
this,  the  smaller  things  may  be  sterilized 
in  a  large  kettle  or  saucepan,  and  the 
larger  ones  in  the  wash  boiler.  For  the 
first,  invert  a  bowl  several  inches  high  in 
the  bottom  of  the  kettle.  On  this  bowl  lay 
a  plate,  and  on  this  place  the  dressings. 
They  may  be  put  into  a  cheesecloth  bag  for 
ease  in  handling.  Let  the  water  just  cover 
the  bowl  and  cover  the  kettle  tightly.  The 
articles  should  remain  for  one  hour  after 
the  water  begins  to  boil.  To  sterilize  in  the 
boiler,  a  convenient  method  is  to  suspend 
the  dressings  in  the  steam  by  means  of  a 
hammock  made  of  stout  muslin,  which  is 
merely  a  strip  somewhat  longer  than  the 
101 


boiler,  so  that  it  will  hang  down  to  about 
a  third  the  depth  of  the  boiler.  It  must  be 
fastened  securely  to  the  handles  of  the 
boiler  by  means  of  a  stout  drawstring  run 
through  each  end  and,  for  additional 
security,  down  each  side  as  well.  The 
boiler  should  be  filled  about  one-quarter 
full  of  water.  If  the  dressings  are  placed 
in  loose  cheesecloth  bags,  it  will  facilitate 
handling  them.  After  the  articles  have 
been  put  in  the  hammock  the  boiler  cover 
should  be  put  on  and  the  articles  left  to 
steam  for  an  hour,  when  they  may  be  re- 
moved and  dried  thoroughly  in  the  sun  by 
pinning  the  bags  to  the  clothesline  or,  if 
that  is  not  possible,  they  may  be  dried  in 
the  oven,  being  very  careful  not  to  burn 
them.  They  are  then  to  be  put  away  in  a 
closed  drawer  until  needed. 

Other  Preparations 

As   stated,   the  brightest   room  in  the 

house  should  be  chosen  for  the  delivery. 

If   possible,    it    should   be    close    to    the 

bathroom,  and  if  there  is  a  communicating 

102 


room  that  can  be  given  up  to  the  use  of  the 
nurse  and  the  baby,  this  will  be  greatly  to 
the  advantage  of  the  mother.  It  is  needless 
to  say  that  the  delivery  room  should  be 
made  as  clean  as  possible,  and  all  drap- 
eries, hangings,  and  upholstered  furniture 
should  be  removed. 

A  single  metal  bed,  either  iron  or  brass, 
and  a  comfortable  mattress  are  desirable. 
The  ordinary  double  bed  is  inconvenient, 
because  it  is  both  too  wide  and  too  low.  If 
a  low  bed  must  be  used,  it  will  be  well  to 
elevate  it  by  putting  blocks,  6  or  8  inches 
high,  under  the  four  legs,  first  removing 
the  casters  so  that  there  will  be  no  danger 
of  the  bed  slipping  off,  and  if  the  mattress 
sags  in  the  middle,  a  board  or  two  under 
the  mattress  will  be  found  advantageous. 
The  bed  should  be  placed  in  such  a  position 
that  both  the  doctor  and  the  nurse  can  get 
at  it  at  once,  and  so  that  a  good  light  falls 
upon  it,  especially  at  night,  for  in  case 
stitches  must  be  taken  a  proper  light  is  of 
the  first  importance.  A  portable  electric 
lamp  is  a  great  convenience  under  these 
circumstances. 

103 


Outfit  for  the  Baby 

It  is  very  apt  to  be  the  case,  especially 
with  a  first  baby,  that  the  mother  wastes 
a  good  deal  of  vital  energy  in  the  prepara- 
tion of  an  elaborate  layette,  only  to  find 
that  many  of  the  garments  are  outgrown 
before  they  are  worn.  On  this  account  it 
is  much  more  economical,  not  only  of 
materials  but  of  the  mother's  strength,  to 
make  only  a  few  very  simple  garments  at 
first.  Later,  when  the  baby  is  older,  such 
a  wardrobe  as  the  mother  desires  may  be 
added,  but  for  a  little  baby  plain  garments 
of  the  softest  materials  procurable  are  the 
most  suitable. 

Large  dealers  now  supply  the  entire  out- 
fit for  an  infant,  and  in  many  cases  it  is  an 
economy  to  buy  one  of  these  layettes  com- 
plete. 

In  preparing  for  the  newborn  several 
principles  should  be  kept  in  mind.  The 
first  is  that  the  garments  must  be  warm 
without  being  unduly  heavy ;  another,  that 
they  must  be  loose  enough  to  provide  for 
perfect  freedom  of  the  muscles;  the  third 

104 


is  the  desirability  of  perfect  simplicity; 
and  the  fourth  that  of  cleanliness.  Adorn- 
ment serves  no  other  purpose  than  to 
gratify  the  mother's  taste. 

The  Baby's  Clothes 

"The  following  list  includes  all  the  gar- 
ments that  it  is  necessary  for  any  young 
infant  to  have  for  the  first  few  weeks  of 
life ;  later,  if  a  more  elaborate  outfit  is  de- 
sired, other  garments  may  be  added: 

Three  abdominal  bands,  6  to  8  inches 
wide  and  20  inches  long,  soft  flannel  strips, 
unhemmed. 

Three  shirts,  size  2,  wool  and  cotton,  or 
wool  and  silk,  not  all  wool. 

Four  flannel  skirts. 

Three  nightgowns  or  wrappers  of  out- 
ing flannel,  buttoned  in  front. 

Eight  white  slips. 

Three  knit  bands,  with  shoulder  straps, 
part  wool. 

At  least  4  dozen  diapers. 

Cloak. 

103 


Cap. 

Carriage  blanket  of  crocheted  or  knitted 
wool. 

Three  pairs  of  socks,  if  in  summer ;  three 
pairs  of  long  white  merino  stockings,  if  the 
weather  is  cold. 

Nursery  Equipment 

The  essential  articles  for  the  baby's 
nursery  are  a  comfortable  bed  and  the 
things  that  will  be  needed  in  his  toilet.  The 
following  list  will  be  found  to  include  the 
essential  items : 

An  old  soft  blanket. 

Four  dozen  safety  pins  of  different  sizes. 

Some  old  soft  towels. 

Soft  wash  cloths. 

Hot-water  bag,  with  flannel  cover. 

Talcum  powder. 

Castile  soap. 

Olive  oil. 

Two  ounces  of  boric  acid. 

A  crib.  If  desired,  a  clothes  basket 
makes  a  good  bed.  A  basket  or  box  that 

106 


may  readily  be  moved  about  is  a  great  con- 
venience. The  mattress  for  any  sort  of  a 
bed  may  be  made  from  table  felting,  which, 
when  folded  a  few  times,  makes  a  very  soft, 
smooth  bed  and  has  the  great  advantage 
over  the  ordinary  mattress  that  it  may  be 
washed  and  boiled  and  dried  in  the  sun." 


Additional  Conveniences 

Below  is  a  list  of  additional  articles  that 
will  be  found  convenient  in  the  care  of  the 
baby: 

Bathtub,  tin,  galvanized-iron  ware,  or 
rubber. 

Drying  frames  for  shirts  and  stockings. 
Bath  apron  of  turkish  toweling  or  out- 
ing flannel. 

A  low  chair,  without  arms. 
Baby  scales. 

A  low  screen,  to  protect  the  baby  while 
it  is  being  bathed. 

A  low  table  on  which  to  bathe  and  dress 
the  baby. 


107 


Laceration 

Laceration  is  not  only  one  of  the  most 
frequent  bad  results  of  childbirth,  but  it 
furnishes  one  of  the  most  prolific  sources 
of  cancer.  It  can  be  avoided,  however, 
by  proper  care  at  confinement  and  by 
proper  exercises  to  tone  and  strengthen 
the  tissues  and  supply  them  with  pure 
blood  through  perfect  circulation.  If  the 
blood  be  pure  and  the  circulation  force- 
ful, lacerations  may  heal  of  themselves 
before  the  torn  tissue  becomes  scarred,  but 
obstetricians  find  that  the  safest  way  is  to 
bring  the  torn  edge  together  by  stitches  at 
once.  If  the  muscles  and  ligaments  are 
kept  strong,  free  and  flexible  during  pregn- 
ancy, the  tissues  usually  will  not  tear. 

Painful  parturition  and  laceration  may 
be  caused  largely  through  fear  and  a  con- 
sequent tensity  of  nerves.  The  mother 
should  relax  to  the  realization  that  this  is 
Nature's  work— a  perfectly  normal  process. 

If  the  tissues  are  elastic  they  will  give 
naturally.  If  inelastic,  and  the  nerves  con- 
trolling them  are  weakened,  laceration  will 

108 


inevitably  follow.  Laceration,  too,  is  often 
due  to  a  rigidity  of  the  fibers  of  the  cervix, 
preventing  sufficient  relaxation  for  the  pas- 
sage of  the  child  without  injury. 


Exercise  During  Pregnancy 

The  writer  has  assisted  hundreds  of  wom- 
en through  pregnancy.  By  following  deep 
breathing  exercises  to  insure  complete  ox- 
idation of  the  waste  of  the  system,  by 
establishing  complete  circulation  through- 
out the  entire  body,  and  by  regular  practice 
of  special  exercises  to  strengthen  all  the 
abdominal  and  uterine  muscles,  and  by  re- 
laxation to  Nature,  parturition  will  be 
practically  painless. 

Through  such  natural  means  the  mother 
also  regains  the  symmetry  of  her  own 
body,  prevents  erratic  mental  conditions 
and  gains  in  both  physical  endurance  and 
mental  repose. 

A  healthy  balance  being  thus  established 
between  the  mother  and  the  fetus,  the 

109 


growth  of  the  fetus  is  not  at  the  sacrifice 
of  the  mother's  strength. 

Proper  exercise  gives  healthy  elasticity 
to  the  uterus,  not  only  preventing  much  dis- 
comfort during  pregnancy,  but  enabling 
it  to  expel  the  child  at  parturition  natural- 
ly, averting  prolonged  and  exhausting  labor 
and  greatly  lessening  the  dangers  of  lacer- 
ation. The  normal  condition  thus  insured 
will  enable  the  placenta  to  disintegrate 
naturally ;  the  uterus  contracting  normally, 
the  blood  vessels,  ruptured  by  the  separa-. 
tion  of  the  placenta  from  the  uterine  walls 
are  promptly  closed  and  dangerous  hem- 
orrhages prevented.  The  healthy  uterus 
will  then  gradually  return  to  its  normal 
size,  and  the  many  serious  and  fatal 
diseases  following  parturition  be  averted. 
How  many  women,  alas,  date  their  ill 
health  from  childbirth.  This  need  not  and 
should  not  be. 

Poise  During  Pregnancy 

It  is    of  the  utmost  importance  that  a 
woman  learn  to  stand  correctly  during  the 
no 


pregnancy  period.  The  rib  cage  should 
be  well  expanded,  the  head  carried  erect, 
the  chest  expanded  and  the  weight  over 
the  arches  of  the  feet,  because  only  in  this 
proper  poise  will  the  stomach  be  given 
room,  protected  by  the  rib  cage,  as  the 
fetus  enlarges  and  rises  in  the  abdomen. 
If  one  has  been  in  the  habit  of  stand- 
ing with  the  chest  depressed,  ribs  pressed 
in  on  the  stomach,  head  forward  and 
weight  on  the  heels,  the  chances  are  that 
she  will  suffer  much  nausea  and  constipa- 
*  tion. 

Correct  poise  is  one  of  the  first  essentials 
for  a  pregnant  woman  to  establish.  (See 
frontispiece  for  correct  poise). 

Walking  is  desirable  more  because  it 
brings  the  expectant  mother  out  into  the 
•open  air  and  it  is  well  if  she  can  walk  in 
the  park,  if  a  city  dweller,  or  in  the  woods, 
if  she  resides  in  the  country,  rather  than 
upon  the  streets  of  city  or  town,  because  as 
her  thoughts  are  directed  to  Nature,  her 
mind  and  her  nerves  are  relaxed  and  she 
breathes  more  deeply.  However,  few  well 
directed  exercises  will  bring  a  better  cir- 
111 


dilation  to  every  organ  of  the  body  than 
walking  and  if  a  pregnant  Woman  will 
follow  a  set  of  exercises  directed  for  her, 
she  does  not  of  necessity  need  to  walk  if 
she  rides  in  the  open  air  and  gets  the 
mental  diversion  suggested. 

Corsets  should  be  discarded  during  preg- 
nancy as  they  impede  circulation  and  diges- 
tion. The  clothing,  which  should  be 
suspended  from  the  shoulders,  should  be 
loose,  giving  the  abdomen,  waist  and  chest 
ample  room ;  while  it  should  be  as  light  as 
the  season  will  admit,  it  should  be 
sufficiently  warm. 


Diet  During  Pregnancy 

I  have  been  repeatedly  asked  to  give  a 
diet  for  pregnancy,  but  the  food  of  a  preg- 
nant woman  does  not  differ  materially 
from  any  diet  which  is  found  to  contain  the 
proper  amount  of  nutrition  for  her.  If 
she  has  been  in  health  she  needs  to  observe 
no  special  diet  unless  complications  arise 
and  then  the  diet  should  suit  the  particular 

112 


condition.      The    following   general   hints 
are  safe  for  all,  however : 

Keep  the  bowels  regular  by  exercising 
them  daily,  by  laxative  foods  (not  by 
cathartics),  and  by  plenty  of  liquids. 
Coarse  cereals,  bran,  figs  and  other  fruits, 
especially  prunes,  and  fresh  vegetables  are 
laxative.  It  is  well  to  eat  a  juicy  fruit  just 
before  retiring. 

Keep  the  kidneys  active  by  fresh  water, 
exercise  and  diuretic  foods.  Among  the 
diuretics  are  dandelions,  buttermilk,  horse- 
radish, onions,  spinach  and  asparagus. 

It  is  important  that  a  pregnant  woman 
take  from  two  to  three  quarts  of  liquid 
daily.  These  she  gets  in  water,  soups, 
broths,  milk,  chocolate,  buttermilk.  It  is 
well  to  avoid  coffee  because  of  the  undue 
stimulating  effect  upon  the  heart.  Coffee 
and  meat  should  be  particularly  avoided 
in  case  of  high  blood  pressure. 

If  the  urine  shows  albumin,  meats,  eggs 
and  other  highly  nitrogenous  foods  should 
be  avoided  or  the  quantity  lessened. 

113 


In  general,  the  mother  should  have  a 
good,  nourishing  diet,  easily  digested. 

The  longing  for  indigestible  food,  such 
as  pickles,  chalk,  etc.,  are  simply  indicative 
of  a  general  hysterical  condition,  and, 
when  the  foods  are  unwholesome,  the  arti- 
ficial desire  should  not  be  gratified. 

The  stomach,  especially  at  night,  should 
not  be  overloaded. 

In  case  of  severe  engorgement  of  the 
breasts,  fluids  should  be  restricted. 

Immediately  after  labor,  a  milk  diet  for 
from  six  to  eight  hours  is  best— then  a 
regular  diet. 

Gruels,  plenty  of  fruits,  fresh  or  stewed, 
liquids  and  vegetables  are  desirable  for  the 
nursing  mother. 

She  should  not  make  the  mistake,  how- 
ever, of  assuming  that  nourishing  foods 
mean  an  excess  of  fat  and  starch,  for  while 
she  needs  these  in  proportion  to  the  amount 
of  energy  put  forth,  she  needs  tissue-build- 
ing food  in  proportionate  quantities. 

114 


It  is  commonly  said  that  the  mother  must 
eat  for  two,  but  only  about  one-tenth  of  the 
child's  weight  is  gained  before  the  fifth 
month  of  pregnancy  so  it  is  evident  that 
there  is  no  necessity  of  any  addition  to  the 
mother's  diet  up  to  that  time. 

The  child  gains  half  its  weight  in  the 
last  eight  weeks  so  that  during  the  eighth 
and  ninth  month  there  will  be  an  increased 
demand  for  the  heat  and  energy-giving 
foods  which  may  be  supplied  by  the  addi- 
tion of  milk  to  the  usual  diet,  taking  a 
glass  between  meals  and  at  bed  time. 

If  one  has  not  formed  the  habit  of  drink- 
ing milk  or  it  seems  to  disagree,  some 
other  light  food,  such  as  cocoa  or  broth  or 
soup,  may  be  eaten  at  these  times. 

The  habit  of  eating  lightly  several  times 
a  day  will  do  much  to  relieve  nausea  dur- 
ing the  earlier  weeks  of  pregnancy. 

The  value  of  plenty  of  fresh  air  day  and 
night  cannot  be  overestimated,  both  be- 
fore and  after  confinement. 
115 


Remember  that  the  child  needs  fresh  air 
as  much  as  the  mother. 

Abundant  sleep  and  periods  of  complete 
relaxation  are  most  essential  to  the  health 
of  the  pregnant  woman.  She  should  lie  and 
rest  for  an  hour  regularly  each  day,  and 
acquire  the  habit  of  sleep  if  possible;  if 
she  cannot  sleep,  she  should  learn  how  to 
completely  relax. 

Constipation 

Due  to  the  pressure  of  the  enlarging 
uterus  upon  the  intestines,  which  is  more 
pronounced  in  the  later  months,  the  mother 
may  become  constipated  and  it  is  very 
important  that  there  be  a  movement  of  the 
bowels  at  least  once  a  day  and  twice  is 
preferable.  Accomplish  this  by  water  and 
laxative  foods  wherever  possible.  Avoid 
purgatives  or  enemas,  but  if  at  times 
something  is  necessary,  a  physician  should 
be  consulted. 

As  stated  above,  at  least  two  to  three 
quarts  of  liquid  should  be  taken  daily. 
Fresh  fruits  such  as  apples,  peaches, 

116 


apricots,  pears,  oranges,  figs,  cherries, 
pineapples,  grapes,  plums,  strawberries, 
grapefruit  or  other  fresh  fruits  are  in- 
cluded in  a  properly  laxative  diet.  These 
fruits  should  preferably  be  eaten  raw. 
Cooked  fruits  such  as  prunes,  figs,  apples, 
peaches  and  apricots  may  be  eaten  freely. 

Bran  bread,  whole  wheat  bread,  corn 
meal  or  graham  bread  should  be  eaten  in 
preference  to  white  flour.  If  these  are  not 
always  available,  two  tablespoonsfuls  of 
bran  mixed  with  a  breakfast  food,  such  as 
oatmeal,  or  mixed  in  the  juice  of  one  or 
two  oranges,  or  eaten  with  the  juice  of 
grape  fruit  is  not  only  laxative  and  nutri- 
tious, but  pleasant  to  the  taste. 

Fresh  vegetables,  especially  green  vege- 
tables, eaten  with  olive  oil,  also  have  a 
laxative  effect.  Onions,  asparagus,  toma- 
toes, peas,  potatoes,  lima  beans,  carrots, 
string  beans,  spinach,  celery,  cress,  lettuce, 
and  in  fact  any  fresh  vegetable  which 
digests  readily  will  help  to  keep  the  bowels 
regular.  Sometimes  a  vegetable  with 
coarse  fiber  such  as  cabbage,  cauliflower, 
turnips,  etc.,  will  help  to  keep  the  digestive 

117 


tract  clean.  If  these  disagree,  of  course 
they  should  not  be  eaten. 

If  constipation  persists  in  spite  of  the 
water,  fruit,  vegetables  and  coarse  grains, 
try  mixing  senna  with  prunes  or  figs. 

If  constipation  still  persists,  then  it  is 
well  to  call  in  a  physician,  but  if  the 
physician  gives  you  a  cathartic  be  sure 
not  to  take  it  longer  than  he  designates, 
but  rely  upon  your  exercises  and  the  above 
diet. 

Vomiting.— The  first  principle  in  the  re- 
lief from  vomiting,  at  any  time,  is  to  give 
the  stomach  a  rest  for  from  ten  to  twelve 
hours.  If,  however,  there  is  a  desire  to  re- 
plenish the  loss  of  food  after  vomiting,  do 
so  by  a  dry  cracker,  or  toast,  well  masti- 
cated. 

Nausea  is  often  relieved  by  the  sipping 
of  very  hot  water,  which  has  a  tendency  to 
relax  the  nerves  and  muscles  of  the  stom- 
ach. 

Very  often  a  little  nourishment  before 
arising  will  prevent  it.  A  little  gruel,  a 

118 


cracker,  an  apple,  a  piece  of  toast,  or  any 
simple  nourishment  will  do. 

Self-control  in  the  selection  of  foods,  no 
overindulgence,  fresh  air  and  daily  exer- 
cise are  the  best  preventatives. 

Avoid  tight  clothing  and  all  pressure  or 
weight  on  the  stomach  or  abdomen. 

Eemember  that  the  mind  has  something 
to  do  with  daily  morning  sickness.  Ner- 
vous apprehensions  will  cause  it.  Be  happy 
— form  the  habit  of  happiness.  This  is  one 
of  the  surest  remedies. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  dietetic  sub- 
stances commonly  prescribed  for  the  relief 
of  nausea  and  vomiting,  or  for  nourishment 
while  those  conditions  exist: 

Cracked  ice,  milk  with  soda,  one-third  of 
a  teaspoon  to  a  glass,  milk  and  lime  water, 
milk  and  vichy,  soda,  seltzer,  or  carbonic- 
acid  water,  kumyss,  meat  juice,  raw  meat 
pulp  scraped,  clam  broth,  sour  lemonade 
or  lemonade  and  vichy. 

Dry  crackers,  dry  toast,  and  ginger 
snaps  will  cometimes  be  retained  in  sea- 
sickness, or  a  cracker  buttered  and  sprinkl- 
ed with  a  little  Cayenne  pepper. 

119 


An  excellent  preventive  measure  for 
nausea  is  to  take  six  small  meals  a  day 
instead  of  three  large  ones.  It  is  important 
to  do  everything  possible  to  ward  off  the 
initial  attack  so  as  not  to  establish  the 
tendency  toward  nausea. 

Try  to  prevent  the  mind  dwelling  upon 
the  thought  of  sickness  and  to  keep  it  upon 
thoughts  of  outdoor  life  and  normal, 
healthy  interests. 

The  establishment  of  a  happy  habit  of 
thought  and  the  regulation  of  one's  time  so 
that  she  is  not  alone  brooding  over  the 
condition  is  one  of  the  best  preventives  of 
the  nausea  habit. 

If,  however,  the  nausea  persists  and  in- 
creases, the  physician  should  be  called  as 
the  condition  sometimes  requires  medical 
skill. 

Heartburn 

" Heartburn"  is  a  misnomer.     It  ihas 
nothing  whatever  to  do  with  the  heart,  but 
is  a  burning  sensation  in  the  throat  caused, 
120 


as  a  rule,  by  the  development  of  too  much 
acid  in  the  stomach. 

Sometimes  the  secretion  of  acids  is  re- 
tarded! by  taking  a  little  fat  in  the  form  of 
a  glass  of  rich  milk  or  cream  or  a  table- 
spoonful  of  olive  oil  fifteen  or  twenty 
minutes  before  meal  time.  After  heart- 
burn begins,  however,  fat  is  apt  to  make  it 
worse  and  one  must  refrain  from  butter, 
milk,  cream  and  greasy  foods  until  the 
attack  is  over.  Some  physicians  treat  this 
by  the  use  of  alkalines  such  as  1/3  of  a 
teaspoonful  of  common  baking  soda  in  a 
glass  of  water. 

Varicose  Veins 

As  a  prevention  of  varicose  veins,  be 
sure  to  stand  correctly  so  that  all  of  the 
abdominal  contents  have  plently  of  room 
to  rise  in  the  abdomen  and  there  is  no  un- 
due pressure  upon  either  arteries  or  veins 
in  the  abdominal  region. 

The  establishment  of  the  habit  of  correct 
poise  and  the  regular  practice  of  exercises 
for  the  abdominal  organs  will  almost  al- 
121 


ways  prevent  this  condition.  If  it  occurs, 
however,  the  expectant  mother  should  lie 
down  a  great  deal  of  the  time,  being  par- 
ticular to  lie  so  that  there  is  no  pressure 
over  the  abdomen.  If  one  sits,  be  sure  to 
sit  well  back  in  the  chair  with  the  stomach 
free. 

If  it  becomes  necessary  to  bandage  the 
legs,  provide  bias  strips  of  flannel,  three 
inches  wide,  and  sew  these  together  until 
the  strip  measures  eight  yards  in  length. 
Bind  these  about  the  calves  of  the  legs 
before  arising.  Begin  at  the  toes,  leave 
the  heels  uncovered,  carrying  the  bandage 
around  the  legs  and  well  over  the  knees, 
or  higher  if  the  thigh  veins  are  distended. 

Hemorrhoids  or  piles  are  distended 
veins.  They  are  aggravated  by  constipa- 
tion and  by  straining  at  the  stool. 

One  should  go  to  the  stool  regularly 
twice  a  day  and  sit  there  for  ten  or  fifteen 
minutes,  rather  coaxing  Nature  and  relax- 
ing the  bowels  instead  of  straining  them. 
Of  course,  the  regular  use  of  a  laxative 
diet,  as  outlined  above,  is  the  best  preven- 
122 


live  measure.  The  knee  chest  position 
often  relieves  the  pain  as  does  also,  some- 
times, cold  ice  packs  if  the  veins  protrude 
outside  the  rectum. 

Auto-Intoxication  (or  Toxemia) 

As  the  uterus  grows,  it  is  necessary  for 
the  mother  to  throw  off  more  waste.  The 
pores  of  the  skin  must  be  kept  open  by 
regular  bathing  and  the  use  of  coarse 
towels  or  a  flesh  brush. 

Some  of  the  symptoms  which  indicate 
that  the  waste  of  the  system  is  not  fully 
thrown  off  are: 

Persistent  vomiting. 

Repeated  headaches. 

Dizziness. 

Puffiness  about  the  face  and  hands. 

Spots  before  the  eyes. 

Neuralgic  pains. 

Twitching  of  the  muscles. 

As  a  rule,  this  condition  indicates  that 
the  mother  has  not  been  getting  the  proper 
amount  of  exercise  or  the  proper  amount 
of  fresh  air  or  that  she  has  not  been  eating 
sufficient  laxative  food,  drinking  sufficient 

123 


water  and  has  not  kept  the  bowels  and  the 
kidneys  regular. 
In  case  of  this  kind: 

Avoid  meat. 
Drink  plenty  of  water. 
Take  plenty  of  exercise. 
Get  plenty  of  fresh  air  day  and  night. 
Bathe  every  day. 

Sleep  at  least  eight  hours  a  night. 
Do  not  overtire. 

And  get  mental  diversion  which  will  give 
a  happy,  peaceful  frame  of  mind. 

Husband's  Responsibility 

Nature,  in  designing  her  great  plan  for 
the  perpetuation  of  the  race,  intended  that 
a  woman  should  be  joyous  in  the  perfor- 
mance of  her  important  part  in  the  scheme 
of  life.  Any  departure  from  this  indicates 
an  unnatural  condition.  Not  only  should 
the  husband  plan  pleasant  diversions  for 
the  wife  and  mother,  but  she  should  not  be 
left  to  brood  in  solitude.  Every  fret  and 
jar  should  be  removed  from  her  life,  so  far 
as  possible,  and  she  should  not  be  over- 
burdened with  domestic  cares. 

124 


The  tender  love  and  care  of  the  husband 
at  this  time  foster  natural  and  perfect 
growth  of  the  child  in  tfie  effect  on  the 
nutriment  as  governed  by  the  nerves  of  the 
mother.  There  is  no  direct  connection  be- 
tween the  nerves  of  the  mother  and  the 
complete  nerve  organism  of  the  child.  This 
is  a  most  fortunate  provision  of  nature, 
for  were  the  growing  fetus  directly  con- 
trolled by  the  moods  and  thoughts  of  the 
mother,  many  a  child  would  start  life  with 
most  unfortunate  physical  habits.*  It  is 
through  control  of  the  circulation  and  the 
quality  of  blood  that  a  mother's  thoughts 
directly  affect  the  child. 

It  is  through  the  husband's  treatment  of 
the  wife  and  mother  that  he  is  enabled  to 
impress  his  own  life,  character  and  de- 
velopmient  on  his  child.  Her  condition 
should  appeal  to  the  finest  instincts  of  his 
manhood,  and  every  resource  within  his 
power  should  be  employed  for  the  happi- 
ness of  the  two  lives  entrusted  to  his  keep- 
ing. 

'Publishers'  Note:  See  Habits;  Their  effect  upon  The 
Nervous  System:  by  Susanna  Cocroft. 

125 


Birds  and!  other  animals  furnish  us  a 
good  example  of  the  care  and  solicitude 
that  the  male  shows  the  female  in  the 
propagation  of  species,  guarding  her  from 
worry  or  physical  discomfort  during  the 
development  of  their  offspring,  both  before 
birth  and  while  nourishing  their  young. 

Intercourse  during  pregnancy  frequently 
causes  miscarriage,  and  is  often  the  origin 
of  distressing  pelvic  troubles.  Most  savage 
people  as  well  as  beasts  of  the  forest 
suspend  sexual  relation  during  pregnancy. 

Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  the  great- 
est possible  obligation  rests  on  the  hus- 
band, the  mother's  own  conduct  and  mental 
poise  determine,  after  all,  the  happy  or 
wretched  issue  of  her  condition.  She  should 
form  the  habit  of  looking  for  good  in  friend 
and  foe,  and  strive  to  be  even-tempered  and 
joyous. 

Above  all  things,  she  should  strive  for 
self  control;  should  rememiber  that  God, 
having  enlisted  her  as  a  co-worker,  is  her 
sure  strength  and  comfort. 

126 


Kemember— "The  Eternal  God  is  thy 
dwelling  place,  and  underneath  thee  are 
the  everlasting  arms." 


Distaste  for  Motherhood 

A  repugnance  for  maternity  indicates 
something  radically  wrong  in  a  woman's 
ideals  of  life,  dwarfing  the  highest  and 
noblest  instincts  of  womanhood  and  rob- 
bing her  life  of  its  most  exquisite  joys. 
When  too  late  her  solitary  heart  yearns 
for  the  clasp  of  little  arms  and  the  caress 
of  little  lips. 

She  who  deliberately  evades  motherhood 
barters  her  birthright.  The  wife  who 
refuses  motherhood  robs  the  husband  of 
fatherhood  and  he  will  not  hold  her  guilt- 
less. 

If  nature  has  stricken  her  she  must  sub- 
mit but  she  who  deprives  herself  is  indeed 
misguided. 

The  awakening  of  the  mother  nature 
heralds  true  soul  development,  lifts  her  to  a 

127 


higher  plane;  broader  vistas  open  before 
her,  and  life  assumes  a  new  and  brighter 
outlook. 

Harmony  with  the  Creator  once  estab- 
lished, this  divine  aid  and  the  abounding 
love  of  the  mother  heart  will  so  aid  her  in 
guiding  the  young  life  entrusted  to  her, 
that  she  cannot  go  far  wrong. 

With  many  modifications  and  variations 
all  living  things  come  within  the  range  of 
this  ingenious  arrangement  of  Nature.  Her 
highest,  most  complex  and  most  marvelous 
manifestations,  however,  are  in  the  human 
species.  That  this  beautiful  law,  in  its 
highest  and  holiest  sense,  should  be  re- 
garded with  shame,  or  veiled  with  false 
modesty,  degrades  it  resulting  in  perverted 
ideas,  disease  and  suffering. 

Children  rivet  the  ties  of  matrimony. 
The  bond  is  incomplete  without  this  triune 
relation,  representing  the  holy  of  holies 
in  domestic  life. 

A  married  woman  should  at  least  be  in 
condition  for  pregnancy,  otherwise  she  is 
not  a  perfect  woman,  nor  is  she  a  perfect 

128 


wife.  If  she  is  physically  normal,  and  not 
entirely  selfish,  looking  alone  to  her  own 
physical  comfort  the  probabilities  are  that 
she  will  strongly  desire  to  realize  the  joys 
of  motherhood. 

Unusual  care  and  solicitude  are  shown  on 
the  part  of  Nature  to  produce  her  highest 
type,  and  eliminate  all  such  as  would 
thwart  her  purpose.  She  will  often  cripple 
a  mother  with  disease,  when  hereditary 
taint  or  disease  is  likely  to  crop  out  in  her 
children,  thus  rendering  her  sterile. 

If  a  woman  has  no  physical  ailments 
which  she  fears  to  transmit  to  her  progeny, 
and  has  sufficient  intelligence  to  properly 
care  for  herself  during  the  pregnancy 
period,  a  shrinking  from  the  duties  and 
privileges  of  motherhood  is  selfish,  and 
narrow— she  is  not  expanding,  not  ennobl- 
ing, not  taking  her  place  in  the  world, 
realizing  as  did  Mary,  her  power  with  God 
to  create.  She  is  not  rising  to  her  best,  is 
not  being  the  woman  with  whom  every  son 
should  be  able  to  compare  his  sweetheart; 
she  must  measure  up  to  his  mother  or  fall 
below  his  ideal. 

129 


Sterility 

Sterility  among  young  women  usually 
has  its  inception  in  painful  menstruation, 
the  primary  cause  being  inflammation  of 
the  ovaries.  Non-development  of  the 
ovaries  at  puberty  is,  in  many  cases,  re- 
sponsible for  this  condition.  Atrophy 
many  times  follows,  producing  sterility  and 
loss  of  sexual  function.  Painful  menstrua- 
tion in  such  cases  is  due  to  unusual  conges- 
tion of  the  pelvic  organs,  which  causes 
pressure  on  the  diseased  and  sensitive 
nerves.  The  pain  is  most  excruciating, 
neuralgic  in  character,  coming  in  par- 
oxysms. 

It  must  not  be  inferred  that  painful 
menstruation  indicates  sterility,  however, 
for  this  is  far  from  true.  The  causes  of 
painful  menstruation  are  discussed  else- 
where. 

Another  cause  of  sterility  is  due  to  the 
cervix  being  almost  or  completely  closed 
between  the  menstrual  periods.  This  clos- 
ure is  due,  sometimes  to  overstrained 
nerves  and  the  habit  of  holding  brain  and 

130 


body  too  tense,  and  sometimes  to  displace- 
ment or  flexion  of  the  uterus. 

A  sterile  wife,  who  longs  for  the  beauty 
and  soul  growth  of  motherhood,  should  at- 
tend to  the  development  of  the  ovaries 
through  regular  exercise  to  strengthen  and 
bring  nourishing  blood  to  them,  should 
build  up  her  general  vitality  and  her  ner- 
vous system.  She  should  also  relax  to  en- 
joy coition  because  the  relaxation  and  con- 
sequent opening  of  the  cervix,  by  which 
the  sperm  more  readily  enters  the  uterus, 
depends  to  a  degree  upon  the  relaxed  con- 
dition of  the  nerves  during  and  following 
coition.  Lying  on  the  back  in  a  relaxed 
condition  after  coition  is  helpful. 

By  virtue  of  the  fact  that  the  virile  ovum 
remains  in  the  uterus  for5  six  to  eight  days 
after  menstruation,  this  is  the  most  favor- 
able time  for  impregnation.  Three  or  four 
days  before  menstruation  is  also  favorable. 

Many  causes  of  sterility  are  amenable  to 
rational  treatment,  and,  if  conception  be  a 
physical  possibility,  the  sterile  woman, 
yearning  for  the  joys  of  motherhood  may 

131 


realize  this  natural  and  beautiful  desire 
by  overcoming  the  cause  of  her  sterility  in 
a  perfectly  safe  and  scientific  way.  If  the 
tissues  are  merely  weak,  they  can  be  toned, 
and  displaced  organs  can  almost  always 
be  toned  and  put  in  place  by  exercise  and 
by  deep  breathing— thus  purifying  the 
blood  and  creating  a  good  circulation. 

Exercises  should  be  prescribed  for  her 
by  one  who  has  made  exercise,  breathing, 
bathing,  diet  and  rest,  for  this  purpose  a 
study. 

Lactation 

Since  it  was  the  mother's  blood  that  sup- 
plied her  nesting  child  with  nutriment,  her 
blood  should  also  furnish  it  nutriment  in 
the  form  of  milk  after  its  birth.  Unless  her 
blood  is  pure,  however,  it  is  best  not  to 
nurse  her  child. 

Some  children  may  thrive  on  manufac- 
tured baby  foods,  while  such  foods  arc 
most  detrimental  to  others;  to  none  are 
they  a  satisfactory  substitute  for  the 
mother's  milk. 

132 


Nature  did  not  design  the  milk  of  an 
inferior  animal  for  the  nourishment  of  a 
human  infant.  The  milk  of  a  cow,  for  in- 
stance, not  only  contains  too  much  casein 
for  the  new-born  baby,  but  it  is  more 
difficult  of  digestion. 

Where  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  nur- 
ture the  child  with  cow's  milk,  care  should 
be  taken  that  the  milk  be  pure,  containing 
no  tuberculosis  bacilli.  It  should  always 
be  sterilized. 

The  contents  of  the  bowels  of  a  new- 
born baby  consist  of  a  substance  known  as 
meconium,  and,  although  this  substance 
served  a  necessary  purpose  during  its  fetal 
life,  it  must  be  discharged  after  its  birth. 
Nature,  therefore,  has  wisely  supplied  the 
mother's  first  milk  with  the  needed  laxa- 
tive, and,  while  this  milk  contains  but  little 
nourishment,  it  serves  the  purpose  of  free- 
ing the  infant's  bowels  of  the  meconium. 

The  mother's  milk  does  not  "come" 
until  from  forty-eight  to  sixty  hours  after 
the  birth  of  the  child.  During  this  period 
the  baby  needs  simply  a  few  drops  of 

133 


slightly  warmed  water  now  and  then.  It 
should  be  put  to  the  breast  every  six  hours 
after  the  motEer  has  somewhat  recovered 
from  the  fatigue  of  labor. 

Should  there  be  an  excessive  supply  of 
milk  for  a  few  days,  one  may  help  to  regu- 
late this  by  the  use  of  hot  or  cold  appli- 
cations according  to  the  weather  and  the 
preference  of  the  mother. 

The  nipples  should  be  washed  with  boric 
acid  or  clean  water  after  each  nursing. 
Then  they  should  be  thoroughly  dried  and 
kept  clean  and  dry  as  possible. 

If  the  nipple  cracks,  a  nipple  shield 
either  of  rubber  or  glass  should  be  used 
until  they  are  healed.  The  baby's  mouth 
should  not  be  allowed  to  come  in  contact 
with  a  sore  nipple. 

Cracked  nipples  are  sometimes  caused 
by  allowing  the  baby  to  nurse  too  long  so 
that  the  nipples  are  wet  and  irritated  too 
much  of  the  time. 

Irregular  nursing  should  be  very  care- 
fully avoided.  Some  physicians  allow  the 
child  to  nurse  once  in  two  hours  in  the  be- 

134 


ginning  and  to  gradually  lengthen  the 
period  between  nursing  until  the  child 
nurses  once  in  four  hours. 

If  it  is  determined  by  weighing  the  baby 
every  week  or  so  that  it  is  getting  sufficient 
nourishment,  then  the  periods  between 
feeding  should  be  lengthened  to  four  hours. 

The  first  few  days  there  may  be  a  slight 
loss  in  weight,  but  after  that  there  should 
be  a  steady  gain. 

The  breasts  need  great  care  during  the 
pregnancy  period.  Gently  and  soothingly 
massage  them  daily.  As  you  do  so,  use  any 
kind  of  a  pleasant  lubricant,  a  little  olive 
oil  into  which  you  have  mixed  a  few  drops 
of  perfume,  cocoa  butter,  a  face  cream— 
anything  which  serves  as  a  pleasant  lubri- 
cant so  that  the  hands  may  slip  smoothly. 
After  massaging  and  drying,  bathe  them 
in  witch  hazel,  cold  tea  or  alcohol. 

This  will  prevent  the  nipples  from  crack- 
ing. 

Avoid  all  pressure  or  irritation  from 
clothing,  particularly  avoid  bust  forms 
which  press  on  or  overheat  the  breasts. 

135 


If  the  breasts  yield  milk  to  the  child, 
menstruation  should  not  be  expected,  as  a 
rule,  for  seven  or  eight  months  after  con- 
finement. If  the  mother  does  not  nurse 
her  child  menstruation  may  be  expected 
much  sooner. 

Profuse  and  regular  menstruation  after 
confinement  is  an  evidence  of  inflammation 
and  enlargement  of  the  uterus,  or  some 
other  diseased  condition  which  needs  at- 
tention. 

Diet  for  a  Nursing  Mother 

As  a  rule,  the  same  diet  which  has  been 
observed  during  pregnancy  should  be  ob- 
served during  the  nursing  period.  This 
diet  tends  to  prevent  constipation  and 
above  all  things  constipation  should  be 
avoided. 

If  the  milk  is  scanty,  take  plenty  of  fresh 
milk,  eggs,  fresh  vegetables,  ripe  fruit  and 
other  plain  foods  with  two  or  three  tea- 
spoonfuls  of  honey  a  day. 

If  the  appetite  is  capricious  it  is  better 
to  eat  six  light  meals  a  day  than  to  depend 
upon  four  larger  meals. 

136 


If  the  milk  does  not  come  in  sufficient 
quantity  or  regularly,  care  should  be  taken 
to  see  that  the  mother  is  not  worried,  be- 
cause the  worry  in  taking  care  of  the  little 
one  in  her  weakened  condition  is  apt  to 
not  only  effect  the  quality  of  the  milk  but 
the  quantity. 

Plenty  of  fresh  air  and  sunshine  in  the 
mother's  room  is  imperative.  Do  not  be 
afraid  of  ventilation,  but  do  not  keep 
mother  and  child  in  a  draft. 

If  the  mother  will  make  every  effort  to 
nurse  her  baby  during  the  first  few  weeks 
when  mother  and  child  are  adjusting  them- 
selves, the  chances  are  that  she  can  nurse 
it  right  through  the  early  months  and  this 
is  the  surest  safeguard  for  the  health  of 
the  baby. 

Tlie  menses  sometimes  recur  before  the 
nine  months  and  it  is  not  necessary  to  wean 
the  baby  when  the  menses  appear,  but  it  is 
necessary  to  wean  it  should  pregnancy 
recur  because  in  this  event  the  mother  can- 
not supply  sufficient  nutrition  for  herself 
and  the  baby. 

137 


Abortion,  or  Miscarriage 

In  the  usual  acceptation,  the  term  abor- 
tion means  to  produce  the  death  and  ex- 
pulsion of  the  fetus  by  a  deliberate  act— 
which  is  feticide.  In  scientific  parlance, 
the  death  and  expulsion  of  the  fetus,  up  to 
the  sixth  month  of  pregnancy,  is  designat- 
ed either  as  abortion  or  miscarriage, 
whether  it  be  the  result  of  a  deliberate  act, 
or  the  result  of  an  accident.  After  the 
expiration  of  six  months  the  expulsion  of 
the  fetus  is  referred  to  as  premature  birth. 

A  tendency  to  abortion  or  miscarriage 
may  be  due  to  various  causes,  a  weakened 
or  diseased  condition  of  the  organs  of  gen- 
eration furnishing  a  prolific  cause.  Any 
disease  of  the  uterus  that  lessens  its  vitality 
and  prevents  its  enlargement  will  tend  to 
result  in  the  death  of  the  fetus.  Or,  any 
diseased  condition  of  the  system  that  en- 
feebles it  may  render  a  continuance  of  life 
in  the  embryo  impossible. 

A  lack  of  room  in  the  pelvis  and  abdomen 
frequently  cause  miscarriages  in  first 
pregnancies.  This  results  from  tight  and 

138 


heavy  clothing,  insufficient  exercise  and 
defective  breathing.  The  debilitating  ef- 
fect of  impure,  heated  atmosphere  is  also 
a  cause;  hence  the  importance  of  getting 
out  into  the  fresh  air  and  sunshine  and  of 
well  ventilated  sleeping  and  living  rooms. 

Every  woman,  in  the  early  months  of 
pregnancy,  should  be  careful  not  to  over- 
tax herself  at  the  time  when  the  menses 
naturally  would  appear.  If  at  this  time  a 
feeling  of  heaviness  and  pains  are  expe- 
trienced,  it  is  well  to  go  directly  to  bed  until 
the  heaviness  has  passed. 

As  previously  stated,  the  proper  poise, 
with  the  rib  cage  fully  expanded,  so  as  to 
allow  plenty  of  room  for  the  fetus  to  rise 
and  the  child  to  be  carried  high,  is  one 
safeguard  against  miscarriage. 

Immoderate  sexual  indulgence  is  exceed- 
ingly harmful  at  this  time,  for  it  diverts 
from  its  needed  purpose  the  mother's  en- 
ergies. Incontinence  at  this  time  espe- 
cially endangers  a  woman  who  has  once 
miscarried. 

139 


The  immediate  cause  of  miscarriage  may 
be  lifting,  straining,  a  fall,  a  jar,  a  blow, 
a  violent  cold,  an  acute  attack  of  disease, 
fright,  or  any  sudden  mental  emotion.  The 
system  soon  forms  any  habit,  and  once 
having  miscarried,  a  recurrence  in  sub- 
sequent pregnancies,  at  the  same  periods, 
frequently  results,  unless  proper  precau- 
tions are  taken  to  build  up  the  vitality. 

Tne  union  betwen  the  placenta  and  the 
uterus  does  not  become  firm  until  about  the 
eighteenth  week  of  pregnancy,  therefore 
miscarriage  is  more  likely  to  occur  before 
this  time. 

One  should  guard  against  over-exertion 
in  the  early  weeks  and  at  the  first  appear- 
ance of  bleeding  or  abdominal  pain  the 
expectant  mother  should  go  to  bed.  If  this 
pain  persists,  it  is  wise  to  send  for  a 
doctor,  especially  if  pregnancy  has  ad- 
vanced beyond  the  sixth  week. 

Occasionally  the  loosening  of  the  placenta 
is  so  slight  that  it  does  not  result  in  mis- 
carriage, but  if  it  is  determined  that  the 
placenta  has  loosened  the  mother  should 
rest  in  bed. 

140 


The  same  attention  and  treatment  are 
required  during  and  after  miscarriage  as 
for  normal  confinement.  It  should  be  as- 
certained that  all  parts  of  the  placenta 
have  been  removed. 

A  neglected  miscarriage  may  mean  the 
total  loss  of  health,  while  on  the  other  hand 
a  properly  attended  miscarriage  will  have 
no  worse  results  than  a  delivery  at  normal 
time. 

Marking  the  Child 

Doctors  and  scientists  are  now  practical- 
ly agreed  that  a  mother  cannot  mark  her 
child  by  any  mental  impression.  It  has 
been  commonly  thought  that  if  a  mother 
was  frightened  by  an  animal,  the  child  may 
take  on  the  characteristics  of  the  animal, 
but  this  has  been  so  fully  disproven  that  it 
is  now  given  no  credence. 

Physicians  agree  that  there  is  no  con- 
nection between  the  mother  and  the  child 
in  the  uterus  by  which  nervous  impressions 
can  be  conveyed.  These  nervous  impres- 
sions by  effecting  the  mother's  health  and 

141 


disturbing  the  circulation,  may  effect  the 
health  of  the  child  through  the  circulation, 
but  not  directly  through  the  nervee. 

Derangements  of  the  Generative 
Organs 

Uterine  and  ovarian  weakness  often 
have  their  origin  in  a  generally  depleted 
condition  of  the  entire  nervous  system,  in 
poor  circulation,  and  a  consequent  mal-nu- 
trition.  The  cure  for  such  cases  is  the 
building  up  of  the  strength  and  of  the  blood 
through  proper  assimilation  of  good,  nour- 
ishing food. 

Scientific  physical  exercises  adapted  to 
the  needs  of  the  individual,  deep  breathing, 
proper  bathing  and  diet,  sunshine,  hot  and 
cold  water— in  fact  Nature's  remedies- 
will  in  many  cases  be  all  that  is  needed  to 
supply  the  needed  tone  to  the  nerves, 
establish  perfect  circulation  through  the 
vital  organs,  create  a  normal  digestion,  and 
cause  a  free  elimination  of  the  waste  from 
the  system. 

142 


In  cases  in  which  disease  has  its  origin 
in  the  pelvic  organs,  these  organs  must  be 
strengthened  first.  If  they  are  displaced, 
merely  to  replace  them  will  not  keep  them 
in  position  unless  they,  and  the  ligaments 
supporting  them  are  strengthened.  Proper 
exercise  directed  to  the  pelvic  organs 
creates  a  strong  circulation  through  them 
and  the  ligaments  supporting  the  organs, 
supplying  them  with  pure  blood.  Conges- 
tion, inflammation,  general  weakness,  dis- 
placement, etc.,  are  thus  overcome,  normal 
menstruation  is  established,  and  the  liga- 
ments are  sufficiently  strengthened  to  hold 
the  organs  in  place.  It  takes  time  and 
patience  to  correct  conditions  of  years' 
standing,  but  relief  through  building  up  the 
natural  strength  is  lasting. 

The  network]  of  sympathetic  nerves  about 
the  pelvic  organs  is  like  so  many  telegraph 
wires  over  which  messages  are  sent  to  the 
various  organs  of  the  body;  hence,  if  the 
pelvic  organs  are  diseased,  the  whole  body 
suffers  in  sympathy.  The  connection  be- 
tween these  organs  and  the  nerve  centers 
of  the  spine  is  very  close,  and  the  sympathy 

143 


very  great.  Any  weakened  or  diseased  con- 
dition of  them,  therefore,  is  communicated 
to  the  great  nerve  centers,  thence  to  tne 
brain,  and  results  in  extreme  nervousness, 
headache,  backache  and  general  loss  of 
strength.  The  sciatic  nerve  is  often  af- 
fected, which  accounts  for  the  pain  in  legs 
and  feet  in  many  cases  of  uterine  weakness. 

In  fact  the  whole  nervous  organism  is 
involved,  the  stomach  being  a  most  vulner- 
able point,  because  of  its  sensitiveness  to 
all  nervous  disturbances,  and  because  of 
the  direct  connection  between  the  sympa- 
thetic nerve  centers  to  the  uterus  and  to  the 
stomach;  hence  the  digestion  suffers  and 
nutrition  often  becomes  insufficient. 

Indigestion  and  constipation  are  often 
the  first  apparent  symptoms  of  uterine 
weakness.  The  futility  of  treating  a 
patient  for  these  conditions  when  they  are 
merely  symptoms,  resulting  from  their 
close  connection  and  sympathy  with  the 
nerves  of  the  pelvic  organs  is  appar- 
ent. Causes  must  be  removed  before  dis- 
ease can  be  eradicated. 

144 


Amenorrhea.- Cessation  of  menstruation, 
or  amenorrhea,  varies,  from  an  occasional 
appearance  of  the  function  to  its  total  sup- 
pression. It  may  be  due  to  various  causes. 
A  general  impairment  of  the  generative 
organs  may  cause  it;  an  excessive  accum- 
ulation of  fat;  a  dropsical  condition;  a 
breaking  down  of  lining  tissue;  anemia; 
constipation;  displacement  of  the  pelvic 
organs;  adhesions;  flexions  of  the  uterus; 
a  closing  of  the  os  by  reason  of  a  growth 
or  some  impediment,  or  by  flexion  at  the 
os;  weakness  of  the  nerves;  or  a  harden- 
ing of  the  uterus  after  pregnancy.  The 
most  prolific  cause  of  suppressed  men- 
struation is  probably  congestion  due  to 
taking  cold  at  the  time  of  the  flow. 

Menstruation  may  be  suppressed  tem- 
porarily by  apprehension,  anxiety,  grief,  a 
nervous  shock,  a  disturbance  of  the  diges- 
tive system,  weakness  following  fever,  or 
a  change  of  climate. 

All  of  these  conditions  cause  obstruc- 
tion, hence  a  retention  of  waste  in  the 
system.  If  this  waste  accumulates  for  a 
long  period  the  blood  is  poisoned  by  it.  If 

145 


menstruation  cannot  be  established,  death 
will  ensue,  although  the  immediate  cause 
of  it  may  be  due  to  some  such  disease  as 
consumption,  diabetes,  Bright  *s  disease, 
etc. 

Impure  blood,  resulting  from  suppressed 
menstruation,  reacts  on  the  brain,  causing 
dullness  and  drowsiness.  Nature's  effort 
to  rid  the  system  of  the  accumulation  of 
blood  is  often  manifested  in  nose  bleed, 
headache,  a  dropsical  condition,  great 
lassitude,  heaviness  and  aching  of  the 
limbs. 

The  only  rational  relief  from  suppressed 
menstruation  is  the  building  up  of  the  ner- 
vous system,  getting  the  circulation  in  per- 
fect working  order,  the  blood  in  a  healthy 
condition,  and  in  strengthening  and  putting 
the  generative  organs  in  place. 

Proper  exercises,  deep  breathing,  good 
nourishing  food,  regular  habits,  plenty  of 
fresh  air  and  sunshine,  abundant  rest  and 
relaxation— especially  at  the  time  when 
menstruation  should  occur— will  give  Na 
ture  the  needed  aid  in  the  work  of  recup- 

146 


eration.  A  cure  thus  established  will  be 
permanent,  if  ordinary  care  and  precau- 
tions are  observed,  and,  in  the  event  of  a 
cold  being  contracted  at  some  unguarded 
moment,  the  body  will  have  sufficient 
resistance  to  throw  it  off.  A  treatment 
confined  to  local  conditions,  merely,  can 
never  accomplish  such  a  result.  There  is 
no  tonic  so  effective  as  exercise,  fresh  air 
and  sunshine. 

Painful  Menstruation  or  Dy smenorrhea, 
has  so  many  phases,  and  differs  so  ma- 
terially in  individuals,  that  it  is  impossible 
to  treat  the  subject  in  its  entirety  in  this 
volume.  Since  it  is  a  symptom  indicative 
of  derangement  of  the  organs  of  genera- 
tion, it  should  be  treated  as  a  symptom. 

It  may  be  due  to  any  one  of  several 
causes:  congestion  of  the  uterus;  inflam- 
mation of  the  ovaries  or  fallopian  tubes; 
sluggish  circulation;  weakness  causing  a 
distention  of  the  walls  of  the  blood  vessels ; 
a  stagnant  condition  of  the  blood  in 
the  uterus;  or  structural  changes  in  the 
walls  of  the  uterus.  An  oversupply 

147 


of  blood  in  the  yielding  vessels  the  flow 
will  cause  unnatural  congestion  and  result 
in  torturing  pain,  severe  headaches,  great 
restlessness,  ofttimes  accompanied  by  a 
rise  in  temperature  and  quickening  pulse, 
the  skin  becoming  hot  and  dry.  Reflex 
symptoms  are  often  apparent,  such  as  pain 
down  the  legs  and  in  the  small  of  the  back, 
nausea,  constipation,  exhaustion,  sensitive 
bladder,  and  sore,  tender  breasts.  In  very 
severe  cases,  the  pain  will  appear  at  inter- 
vals between  menstrual  periods. 

Painful  menstruation  may  also  be  due  to 
some  mechanical  obstruction,  such  as  a  clot 
of  mucus  or  blood  in  the  cervix,  or  some 
growth  as  a  polyp  or  small  tumor  may  im- 
pede the  flow. 

Flexion  of  the  uterus  is  a  very  common 
cause  of  painful  menstruation.  The  uterus 
being  bent  on  itself,  either  forward  or  back- 
ward, will  nearly  close  the  cervical  canal 
and  cause  the  patient  to  writhe  in  agony  as 
the  muscles  contract  in  an  effort  to  expel 
the  accumulation  of  menstrual  fluid.  Uter- 
ine colic  is  frequently  observed  in  such 
cases.  The  retention  of  the  menstrual  flow 


by  such  obstructions  distends  the  uterus, 
the  muscles  contract,  and  this  expulsive 
effort  causes  pain.  As  the  flow  comes  with 
a  gush  the  pain  is  relieved  until  another 
accumulation  causes  a  distention.  Clots 
are  sometimes  expelled  resembling  pieces 
of  liver.  This  is  especially  the  case  when 
the  obstruction  occurs  in  the  cervix. 

A  thickening  of  the  lining  membrane  of 
the  uterus  will  prevent  its  allowing  the 
blood  to  escape  easily  through  its  surface. 
In  these  conditions  it  is  expelled  in  patches 
or  shreds,  or  as  a  whole,  accompanied  by 
intense  pain.  This  has  been  explained  un- 
der "Menstruation." 

The  almost  unbearable  neuralgic  pains, 
variable  and  shifting,  which  occur  in  highly 
nervous  temperaments,  indicate  a  derange- 
ment of  the  nerves  centering  in  the  pelvic 
organs.  They  are  most  frequent  in  young 
girls  at  the  age  of  puberty  and  married 
women  who  have  never  borne  children 
These  neuralgic  pains  being  of  a  shifting 
nature  may  attack  various  parts  of  the 
body,  the  head  or  the  teeth,  sometimes  ex- 
tending down  one  or  both  legs,  as  well  as 

149 


through  the  breasts,  the  intercostal  mus- 
cles, etc.;  even  the  heart  is  sometimes 
affected  by  them. 

The  mind  suffers  greatly  from  these  ner- 
vous disturbances  and  irritability  is  very 
frequent  in  such  cases,  accompanied  often- 
times by  a  desire  to  withdraw  from  all 
companionship  and  brood  over  fancied 
sorrows.  The  only  rational  method  of 
treating  such  a  condition  is  to  strengthen 
the  entire  nervous  system,  and  build  up  the 
vitality. 

Painful  menstruation  is  so  frequent 
among  civilized  women  that  it  has  come  to 
be  universally  regarded  as  ' '  the  sick!  time, '  * 
and  anticipated  by  many  with  fear  and 
dread.  This  should  not  be.  Perfectly  nor- 
mal menstruation  is  so  essential  to  a 
woman's  well  being  that  the  importance 
of  its  regular  and  painless  recurrence  can- 
not be  too  forcibly  impressed  on  her  mind. 
There  is  nothing  that  makes  such  sad 
ravages  in  her  appearance  as  a  disturbance 
of  this  function.  The  traces  of  painful, 
profuse,  irregular  or  scanty  menstruation 
may  in  the  beginning  disappear  at  the  ces- 

150 


sation  of  the  flow,  yet  it  is  only  a  matter 
of  time  when  the  tense  lines  of  the  face, 
the  unhealthy  color  of  the  skin,  the  dark 
circles  about  the  eyes  will  proclaim,  to  even 
the  casual  student  of  physiology,  the 
nature  of  her  ailment.  The  woman  so 
afflicted  soon  loses  her  buoyancy  and  her 
attractiveness;  her  mind  becomes  dulled, 
and  her  whole  nervous  organism  suffers. 
Many  women  become  morbid  and  even  in- 
sane through  such  disturbances. 

A  dilation  of  the  cervix  by  hard  instru- 
ments in  an  effort  to  relieve  painful  men- 
struation, may  seriously  injure  the  tissues 
and  nerves.  Nature,  properly  assisted  by 
special  exercises,  and  a  toning  of  the 
nerves  will  usually  take  care  of  this  natural 
function  and  will  not  injure  the  delicate 
parts. 

Chlorosis,  or  green  sickness,  most  often 
attacks  young  women  or  girls  nearing  pub- 
erty. This  disease  is  due  to  insufficient  red 
corpuscles  in  the  blood.  The  skin  becomes 
pale,  dark  circles  appear  around  the  eyes, 
the  lips  are  pale,  dropsical  symptoms  often 

151 


appear,  the  hands  and  feet  are  icy,  indi- 
cating that  the  circulation  is  poor,  and 
often  there  is  palpitation  of  the  heart. 
Without  the  least  exertion  the  sufferer  will 
feel  exhausted,  the  head  becomes  dizzy,  and 
she  will  experience  a  ringing  in  the  ears. 
An  aching  along  the  spine,  and  symptoms 
of  hysteria  and  melancholia,  great  loss  of 
appetite  and  cravings  of  a  morbid  nature, 
are  symptoms  frequently  encountered.  In 
such  cases  the  menses  are  usually  irregular 
or  absent,  the  flow  thin— leukorrhea  may 
appear  at  the  time  of  menstruation.  How- 
ever, profuse  menstruation  accompanies 
some  cases  of  chlorosis. 

If  young  girls,  nearing  the  age  of  puber- 
ty, receive  intelligent  and  proper  instruc- 
tion, tender  care,  and  affection,  much  suf- 
fering will  be  saved  them  throughout  their 
lives.  In  their  ignorance  they  frequently 
check  the  menstrual  flow,  and  arrest  their 
development,  by  taking  cold.  It  is  of  the 
utoost  importance  that  the  health  be  well 
looked  after  at  this  age,  that  life  be  made 
as  easy  and  pleasant  as  possible.  The  cir- 
culation should  be  free  and  strong,  and 

152 


blood  properly  nourished,  the  organs  of 
elimination  in  perfect  working  order,  else 
development  of  the  generative  organs  will 
be  retarded.  Non-development  of  the 
ovaries  may  manifest  itself  in  a  flat  chest, 
stooped  shoulders,  lustreless  eyes,  a  dull 
mind  and  blunted  affections. 

Epilepsy,  also,  often  has  its  inception  in 
some  disturbance  of  the  menstrual  func- 
tion. 

Congestion  and  Inflammation  of   the 

uterus  are  caused  by  a  distention  of  the 
uterine  bloodvessels.  It  may  be  due  to  a  lack 
of  tone  of  the  nerves,  or  to  too  high  nerve 
tension.  It  results  in  tension,  swelling,  pain, 
heat  and  redness,  and  in  profuse  and  pro- 
longed menstruation.  This  distention  of 
the  blood  vessels  causes  a  pressure  on  the 
weakened  nerves  that  traverse  the  tissues 
of  the  uterus,  and  produces  great  pain  and 
distress,  both  in  the  uterus  and  in  the  or- 
gans connected  with  it.  Pain  is  also  felt 
in  the  back  and  in  the  head. 

The  fact  that  the  uterine  blood  vessels 
are  crooked  conduces  to  great  distention 

153 


of  them  when  congested.  The  stagnant  con- 
dition which  results,  and  the  consequent 
enlargement  of  the  organ,  prevent  the  pro- 
per nourishment  of  the  uterine  tissues  and 
the  natural  elimination  of  their  waste.  The 
only  wise  course  is  to  take  prompt  meas- 
ures for  the  building  up  of  the  nerves. 
These  nerves  are  strengthened  by  hygienic 
living  by  exercise,  deep  breathing,  nourish- 
ing food  and  fresh  air. 

There  are  special  high-sounding  names 
given  inflammation,  varying  according  to 
its  location,  yet  the  condition,  regardless 
of  location,  is  of  the  same  general  char- 
acter. 

Each  blood  vessel  is  supplied  with  motor 
nerves.  A  weak  condition  of  the  nerves, 
therefore,  will  prevent  proper  expansion 
and  contraction  of  the  arteries,  circulation 
will  be  impeded  by  the  vessels  becoming 
distended  with  blood.  Their  walls  become 
lax  and  gradually  expand,  allowing  some 
of  the  elements  of  the  blood  to  escape  into 
adjoining  tissues.  This  accumulation  of 
blood  causes  engorgement  of  the  tissues; 

154 


chemical  changes  take  place,  which  cause 
inflammation,  and  may  result  in  ulceration. 

Enlargement  of  the  Uterus.— In  preg- 
nancy the  uterus  gradually  enlarges  and 
rises  from  the  lower  into  the  upper  pelvis. 
This  enlargement  is  natural,  but  enlarge- 
ment of  the  uterus  through  disease  places 
too  great  a  strain  on  the  ligaments  that 
support  it.  An  undue  strain  weakens  them 
and  retards  their  movement ;  if  the  enlarge- 
ment continues  the  ligaments  give  way  un- 
der this  strain,  and  the  uterus  is  then  not 
only  enlarged  but  it  becomes  displaced. 

The  enlarged  uterus  may  be  indurated  or 
soft,  extremely  sensitive  to  the  touch,  or 
its  sensory  nerves  may  have  become  so  im- 
paired that  it  is  devoid  of  sensation. 

There  are  many  causes  for  the  enlarge- 
ment of  the  uterus,  as,  adhesion  of  a  part 
of  the  placenta  after  childbirth,  a  weakness 
due  to  a  lack  of  exercise  of  the  pelvis,  or  a 
consequent  refusal  of  the  uterus  to  resume 
its  normal  size  after  confinement,  etc. 

Leukorrhea.— The  immediate  cause   of 
leukorrhea  is  congestion.    It  is  sometimes 

155 


called  "the  whites,"  because  of  its  color, 
although,  owing  to  its  constituents,  it 
sometimes  changes  in  color  from  white  to 
greenish  yellow  It  varies  from  the  con- 
sistency of  cream  to  that  of  a  curd.  Being 
one  of  the  commonest  diseases,  or  symp- 
toms of  disease,  it  is  regarded  by  most 
women  as  "nothing  serious,"  and  by  some 
as  "natural,"  which  facts  greatly  increase 
the  grave  danger  of  it. 

Young  girls  are  often  afflicted  with  leu- 
korrhea  without  their  mothers'  knowledge. 
The  insidiousness  of  the  derangement  is 
increased  by  the  fact  tliat  it  seemingly 
gives  but  little  trouble  fort  so  long  a  time ; 
yet  the  vitality  of  the  victim  is  being  surely 
and  steadily  sapped  by  it.  Owing  to  the 
sensitiveness  of  the  nerves  of  the  genera- 
tive organs,  diseased  products  are  more 
easily  absorbed  into  the  system  than  is  the 
case  in  any  other  part  of  the  body.  By 
virtue  of  the  absorption  of  such  poisonous 
products  of  disease,  abnormal  growths  fre- 
quently result. 

Leukorrhea  is  analogous  to  catarrh  of 
the  lining  membrane  of  the  head,  nose  and 

136 


throat.  In  severe  and  advanced  cases  of 
the  disease,  the  discharge  is  of  so  acrid  and 
excoriating  a  character  that  the  skin  will  be 
rendered  sore,  and  the  vulva  become  highly 
inflamed  by  it.  It  will  eventually  cause 
looseness  and  flabbiness  of  the  vagina. 

Some  of  the  richest  constituents  of  the 
blood  are  contained  in  this  discharge ;  hence 
it  deprives  the  system  of  important  nu- 
tritive elements,  and  is  a  continual  drain 
on  the  vital  forces.  The  system  so  de- 
prived of  these  nutritive  elements,  which 
were  designed  to  meet  the  general  needs 
of  the  body,  is  too  enfeebled  to  meet  the 
deficiency,  This  is  owing  principally  to 
the  fact  that  instead  of  being  supplied  with 
reserve  strength,  enabling  it  to  resist  dis- 
ease and  run  the  human  machinery,  it  has 
been  weakened  by  the  unnatural  waste  of 
nutritious  elements. 

The  sticky  character  of  the  discharge,  to- 
gether with  the  inflamed  condition  of  the 
cervix,  sometimes  completely  closes  the 
mouth  of  the  uterus.  This  causes  an  accu- 
mulation of  mucus  within  the  uterus,  and 

157 


in  order  to  expel  this,  labor-like  contrac- 
tions occur. 

Various  local  causes  may  lead  to  leukor- 
rhea.  Some  of  the  most  frequent  immediate 
causes  are  tight  lacing,  strenuous  exercise 
during  menstruation,  heavy  underskirts 
hung  from  the  waist,  damp  clothing,  wet  or 
cold  feet,  uncleanliness,  prolonged  nursing, 
abortions,  miscarriages. 

The  only  cure  for  leukjorrhea  is  in  over- 
coming the  cause  of  the  inflammation  and 
weakness.  This  is  effected  by  good  blood 
and  by  exercise  to  strengthen  the  affected 
parts,  as  well  as  the  entire  body,  by  deep 
breathing,  fresh  air  and  nourishing  food. 

Displacement  of  the  Uterus 

Since  the  uterus  is  suspended  within  the 
pelvis  by  ligaments,  which  allow  it  freedom 
of  motion,  it  can  only  be  regarded  as  dis- 
placed when  it  permanently  remains  out  of 
position.  A  distention  of  the  bladder  will 
cause  a  temporary  backward  displacement 
and  a  heavily  loaded  rectum,  a  forward  dis- 
placement; but  the  uterus  resumes  its  cor- 

158 


rect  position  when  the  bladder  and  rec- 
tum are  relieved.     With  every  step  and 


Fig.   4. 

CORRECT  POSITION  OF  PELVIC  ORGANS. 

1.  Uterus;  2,  Ovary;  3,  Fallopian  Tubes;  4,  Peritoneum  which 
forms  the  ligaments  supporting  the  uterus;  5,  Bladder;  6,  Os,  or 
opening  info  the  uterus;  7,  Vagina;  8,  Rectum. 

It  will  be  noted  that  the  uterus,  in  correct  poise,  slants  for' 
ward  at  an  angle  of  above  forty-five  degrees. 

with  every  breath,  particularly  with  deep 
breathing,  the  uterus  moves  with  a  rhyth- 
mic motion  which  aids  in  the  maintenance 
of  a  perfect  circulation,  and  perfect  equili- 
brium. The  importance  of  deep  breathing 
should  be  emphasized— yet  how  few  women 
breathe  correctly! 

159 


A  prolonged  displacement  impedes  its 
natural  motion,  preventing  the  blood  from 
passing  freely  to  and  from  it;  as  a  result, 
it  becomes  enlarged,  heavy,  weakened,  and 
an  easy  prey  to  disease.  A  displacement 
twists  the  broad  ligaments  supporting  it, 
and  since  it  is  through  these  broad  liga- 
ments that  the  blood  vessels  pass  to  and 
from  the  uterus,  they  also,  are  distorted; 
as  the  quantity  of  blood  held  within  its 
walls  increases,  the  uterus  becomes  heavier, 
the  ligaments  weaker  and  less  able  to  aid 
it  in  resuming  its  normal  position. 

The  primary  cause  of  such  displacement 
is  usually  a  general  weakness  of  the  entire 
body. 

The  weakness  may  be  due  to  overwork, 
overstrain,  menstrual  difficulties,  too  fre- 
quent childbearing,  constipation,  indiges- 
tion, poor  circulation,  impoverished  blood, 
etc. 

A  heavy,  bearing-down  pain  in  the  pel- 
vis, backache,  difficulty  in  walking,  pain- 
ful menstruation,  and  excessive  nervous- 
ness, are  symptoms  of  a  displaced  or  pro- 
lapsed uterus. 

160 


Measurements  of  eighteen  thousand 
women  show  that  the  standing  position  of 
seventy-five  per  cent  of  them  tips  the  ute- 
rus backward.  If  one  walks  with  the  body 
in  this  poise,  the  heel  strikes  the  ground 
and  the  body  is  jarred  so  that  the  liga- 
ments become  stretched  and  weakened ;  the 
result  is  prolapsus  or  retr over sion— very 
common  derangements. 

Walking  is  not  good  exercise  unless  the 
body  is  properly  poised.  If  women  merely 
form  habits  of  correct  standing,  walking 
and  breathing,  a  new  and  vibrant  life  force 
will  be  experienced. 

Unless  bound  down  by  firm  adhesions, 
the  uterus  will  go  back  to  place  when  the 
patient  assumes  the  right  position  to  so 
replace  it,  and  its  supporting  ligaments 
can  be  .strengthened  by  special  physical 
exercises  used  while  in  this  position.  The 
right  exercises  directly  reach  and  strength- 
en these  organs  just  as  the  muscles  of  the 
arms  and  legs  are  strengthened  by  exer- 
cises. 

It  is  just  as  reasonable  to  splice[the  arm, 
take  out  a  section  of  the  muscles  and  sew 

181 


it  together  because  the  arm  muscles  have 
become  weak  and  flabby  through  lack  of 
exercise,  as  it  is  to  cut  out  a  piece  of  the 
ligaments  supporting  the  uterus  and  sew 
them  together  because  they  have  become 
flabby.  Happily  this  operation  is  not  so 
common  as  it  formerly  was.  "Women  and 
physicians  are  realizing  that  there  is  a  bet- 
ter way.  Exercise  intelligently  prescribed 
for  the  ligaments  brings  new  strength,  and 
they  contract  and  shorten  naturally  by 
reason  of  this  strength,  just  as  flabby  mus- 
cles in  any  part  of  the  body  become  strong 
by  exercise  and  general  vitality. 

The  above  is  the  only  rational  method  of 
correcting  displacement,  where  adhesions 
are  not  present. 

Anteversion  is  a  turning  forward  of  the 
whole  uterus,  the  bend  coming  near  the  os. 


162 


Fig.    S. 
ANTEVERSION  AND  ANTEFLEXION 

1,  Uterus;  2,   Bladder;   3,   Rectum;   4,   Vagina. 
The  uterus,  bent  upon  itself,  as  well  as  tipped  forward,  inter- 
feres   with    menstruation    and    compresses    the    bladder. 


Anteflexion  is  a  bending  forward  of  the 
top  of  the  uterus  only,  and  results  from  the 
muscles  of  the  uterus  becoming  so  softened 
and  relaxed  that  the  organ  bends  on  itself, 
or  it  is  due  to  pressure  of  intestines.  When 
both  anteversion  and  anteflexion  are 
present,  the  condition  is  more  serious  and 
complicated,  and  will  require  a  longer 
time  to  cure,  since  such  a  displacement  in- 

163 


dicates  both  an  enlargement  of  the  organ 
and  a  softening  of  its  muscular  walls  (See 
Fig.  5). 

When  the  uterus  is  displaced,  it  cannot 
always  empty  itself  properly  at  the  men- 
strual period,  and  a  part  of  the  flow  in  the 
form  of  clots  may  be  retained  from  one 
period  to  the  next.  This  may  be  especially 
true  in  anteflexion  of  the  uterus. 

If  the  uterus  becomes  anteverted,  the 
bladder  and  the  nerves  controlling  it  be- 
come greatly  irritated,  hence  the  desire  for 
frequent  urination  in  such  cases ;  yet  void- 
ing the  urine  does  not  relieve  the  discom- 
fort. If  this  unnatural  strain  on  the 
bladder  is  not  removed,  inflammation,  or 
cystitis,  results.  Through  the  constant  irri- 
tation on  the  nerves,  the  sphincter  muscles 
controlling  the  neckj  of  the  bladder  eventu- 
ally lose  their  power  of  contraction  and  a 
constant  dribbling  of  urine  will  render  the 
life  of  such  a  sufferer  a  burden. 

The  urethra  may  become  involved  in  pro- 
longed inflammation  of  the  bladder;  when 
prolonged  for  a  long  period  such  inflamma- 
tion may  extend  to  the  kidneys. 

164 


Retroflexion  is  a  bending  backward  of 
the  uterus  on  itself  in  the  same  manner 
as  the  anteflexed  uterus  bends  forward 
The  muscular  walls  of  the  uterus,  in  retro- 
flexion,  become  abnormally  thin  in  the 
front,  while  the  rear  walls  become  abnor- 
mally thick,  resulting  in  a  varicose  condi- 
tion of  the  veins  within  the  ligaments,  even- 
tually leading  to  prolapsus  of  the  ovaries, 
fallopian  tubes,  and  the  uterus. 

Since  flexions  are  so  liable  to  occur  after 
confinement,  owing  to  the  soft  and  enlarged 
condition  of  the  uterus,  women  cannot  be 
too  careful  at  this  time,  and  should  not 
leave  their  beds  too  soon. 

The  inflammation  caused  by  flexions  is  a 
very  prolific  cause  of  adhesions  of  the  bow- 
els, and  if  the  uterus  remains  displaced  for 
long  it  is  very  liable  to  adhere  to  the  rec- 
tum. 

Both  retroflexion  and  anteflexion  are  due 
to  weakened  ligaments,  to  a  heavy  uterus, 
and  a  softening  of  its  tissues. 

The  cavity  of  the  uterus  may  close  by 
retroflexion,  just  as  described  in  anteflex- 
ion, impeding  the  menstrual  flow. 

165 


Retroversion  means  a  backward  dis- 
placement of  the  entire  organ.  As  the 
enlarged  uterus  falls  back  against  the  rec- 
tum, that  portion  of  the  bowel  is  weakened, 
and  the  space  through  which  the  fecal 
matter  must  pass  is  lessened,  so  that  con- 
stipation often  results. 

The  unnatural  tension  put  on  the  uterine 
ligaments  causes  backjache;  a  hardening 
and  drying  of  the  f  eces  packed  in  the  upper 
part  of  the  rectum  results.  While  so  re- 
•tained,  some  of  the  poisonous  elements  are 
absorbed  into  the  circulation  and  the  whole 
system  suffers,  the  uterus  often  becoming 
infected  by  the  poison. 

Various  diseases  of  the  rectum  often  at- 
tend such  displacement  of  the  uterus,  not 
only  because  of  the  pressure  on  the  rec- 
tum, but  also  because  of  the  interference 
with  the  circulation  through  the  mesenteric 
veins,  which  causes  piles. 

Such  displacement  drags  all  of  the  con- 
necting organs  more  or  less  out  of  posi- 
tion. The  stretching  backward  of  the  liga- 
ment which  attaches  the  bladder  to  the 

166 


navel  causes  pain  in  the  umbilical  region, 
and  serious  complications  often  arise.  The 
pressure  of  the  uterus  causes  a  disturb- 


Fig.    6. 

RETEROVERSION 

1,  End  of  Fallopian  Tube;  2,  Ovary;  3,  Uterus;  4,  Bladder; 
S,  Rectum;  6,  Vagina. 

It  will  be  noted  that  in  retroversion  the  uterus,  instead  of 
tipping  forward  forty-five  degrees,  tips  backward,  compressing  the 
bladder,  the  vagina  and  the  rectum  and  flexing  the  opening  into 
the  vagina,  which  interferes  with  menstrual  flow. 

ance  in  the  network  of  nerves  of  the  back, 
producing  distressing  mental  and  nervous 
symptoms  and  backache. 

Some  of  the  symptoms  attending  such  a 
displacement  are  a  dragging  sensation  in 

167 


the  pelvis  and  the  back,  pains  down  the 
front  of  the  thighs,  derangement  of  the 
nerves  of  the  stomach,  severe  pain  in  the 
back  of  head,  melancholia,  etc.  The  cir- 
culation is  impeded  by  the  twisting  of  the 
broad  ligaments,  and  there  is  always  lia- 
bility of  this  resulting  in  varicose  veins. 

Prolapsus,  or  Falling  of  the  Womb  is  due 

to  an  enlargement  of  the  organ,  as  a 
result  of  congestion  and  inflammation,  the 
muscles  by  which  it  is  swung  being  so  se- 
verely taxed  that  they  lose  their  elasticity, 
and  can  no  longer  hold  the  enlarged  and 
heavy  organ  in  place.  The  prolapsus  may 
be  complete  (See  Fig.  7)  or  partial. 

Such  a  displacement  ultimately  drags 
down  the  vaginal  walls,  as  they  are  con- 
tinuous with  the  neck  of  the  uterus.  As 
the  anterior  wall  of  the  vagina  forms  the 
posterior  wall  of  the  bladder,  it  also  be- 
comes prolapsed,  resulting  in  serious  com- 
plications. 

Partial  paralysis  may  result  from  a  com- 
plete prolapsus,  owing  to  the  pressure  on 

168 


the  sciatic  nerves.  This  pressure  on  the 
nerves  causes  them  to  ache,  and  this  ache  is 
often  confused  with  rheumatism. 

In  order  to  overcome  this  difficulty  the 
inflammation  must  be  reduced  before  the 
uterus  will  return  to  its  normal  size, 
weight  and  position.  If  the  vitality  be 


Fig.    7. 
PROLAPSUS,   OR   FALLING   OF   THE   WOMB. 

1,  Peritoneum;  2,  The  Ligaments  of  the  Peritoneum,  which 
have  become  so  weakened  and  stretched  that  they  give  no  sup- 
port to  the  uterus;  3,  Rectum;  4,  Bladder;  5,  The  prolapsed 
uterus,  which  has  dropped  down  into  the  vagina. 

The  pull  and  pressure  on  the  delicate  and  sensitive  nerves 
about  the  uterus  may  be  well  imagined  in  the  displaced  position 
of  this  organ  illustrated  in  Fig.  5,  6  and  7.  These  cuts 
show  the  extreme  position  of  the  organs;  many  women  suffer 
from  displacement  in  varying  degrees. 

169 


built  up  systematically,  the  uterus  will  re- 
gain its  normal  tone,  and  the  ligaments 
holding  the  organ  in  place  will  be  strength- 
ened. Exercises  and  cold  salt  water 
douches  are  particularly  helpful  in  most 
cases  of  prolapsus.  They  give  strength 
and  re-establish  the  normal  circulation 
through  the  organ. 

Many  advise  pregnancy  as  a  means  of  cure 
for  displacements,  but  a  displaced  uterus 
means  a  weakened  and  often  a  diseased 
one,  which  may  affect  the  carrying  of  the 
child.  The  mother  may  miscarry  and  thus 
bring  on  herself  still  greater  sufferings. 
The  general  weakness,  or  the  impoverished 
blood  which  may  have  caused  the  displace- 
ment, should  be  corrected  before  a  woman 
risks  pregnancy,  both  for  her  own  sake  and 
for  the  sake  of  the  child. 

A  prolapsed  uterus  can  be  lifted  unless 
the  peritoneal  wall  has  been  punctured, 
atrophied  or  wasted  away.  Exercise  to 
strengthen  the  tissues  by  bringing  a  good 
circulation  of  nutritious  blood  to  all  ab- 
dominal organs,  correct  posture  so  that  the 

170 


organs  will  retain  their  normal  poise,  pro- 
per walking  (not  on  the  heels),  and  proper 
breathing  will  raise  prolapsed  abdominal 
organs. 

Operations 

One  cannot  speak  too  strongly  against 
the  tendency  current  in  the  past  few  years 
to  operate  on  a  woman  on  slight  provoca- 
tion. Every  woman  should  hold  her  body 
as  Godgiven  and  inviolable  and  should  al- 
low an  operation  only  after  every  other 
means  has  failed.  Osteopathy,  physical 
culture,  the  rest  cure  and  such  means  are 
more  natural  and  more  lasting  than  the 
knife. 

Vigorous,  promiscuous  exercise  must  not 
be  indulged  in ;  but  the  right  kind  of  exer- 
cise, directed  by  one  who  has  made  the 
condition  a  study,  is  invaluable. 

Many  of  the  local  treatments  and  opera- 
tions resorted  to  for  female  complaints  are 
barbarous  to  a  degree,  and  tend  to  aggra- 
vate such  troubles.  Cancer  may  result 
from  a  bruise  of  the  delicate  tissues  by  the 
harsh  instruments. 

171 


Pessaries  and  Shortening  of  Ligaments. 

—The  use  of  pessaries,  or  artificial  sup- 
ports, do  not  overcome  the  cause  of  dis- 
placements or  prolapsus  of  the  uterus, 
hence  their  use,  alone,  cannot  effect  a  cure. 
The  real  cure  lies  in  building  up  the 
strength  and  vitality  through  the  natural 
means  of  exercise,  nourishing  food,  deep 
breathing  of  fresh  air  and  rest.  The  work 
of  restoration  of  a  good  circulation  and 
tone  to  the  muscles  should  be  begun  at  once. 
Neither  can  an  artificial  shortening  of  the 
ligaments  correct  the  cause  of  their  laxity. 
If  the  blood  remains  impoverished,  and  all 
connecting  tissues  remain  weak,  with  the 
heavy  uterus,  which  almost  always  pre- 
vails, it  is  only  a  matter  of  time  when 
the  ligaments  will  stretch  still  more.  These 
relaxed  muscles  need  tone,  not  abuse. 
Harsh  methods  do  not  supply  the  nerves 
with  the  needed  tonicity,  and  often  takes 
one  longer  to  recover  from  the  shock  of  the 
operation  than  from  the  original  trouble. 
Properly  treated  and  strengthened,  the 
nerves  and  muscles  will,  of  themselves,  lift 
the  uterus  into  its  normal  position. 

172 


Pessaries  are  often  a  help,  however,  in 
holding  the  uterus  in  place  and  thus  pre- 
venting the  undue  strain  on  the  ligaments 
while  they  are  being  toned  and  strength- 
ened. 

Fixation.— One  of  the  replacing  methods 
employed  in  surgery  is  ventral  fixation,  a 
fastening  of  the  fundus  of  the  uterus  to 
the  abdominal  walls.  Fixation  is  un- 
natural, the  uterus  should  be  movable.  In- 
tense nervousness,  burning  pains  and  a 
pulling  sensation  may  follow  such  an  opera- 
tion. Nature  never  intended  this  organ 
to  be  sewed  to  another.  This  unnatural 
effort  to  overcome  a  form  of  displacement, 
amenable  to  rational  treatment,  produces 
another  kind  of  displacement,  with  no 
chance  of  relief.  Dragging  the  uterus  for- 
ward and  upward  several  inches  in  such 
an  operation  puts  a  strain  on  the  blad- 
der, as  well  as  on  the  nerves,  muscles  and 
tissues  and  may  cause  displacement  of  the 
contents  of  the  whole  pelvic  viscera.  Hap- 
pily the  most  progressive  physicians  no 
longer  recommend  this  operation,  unless 

173 


the  supports  are  entirely  gone,  which  is 
seldom  the  case. 

Curettement.— In  curettement,  a  specu- 
lum is  inserted  into  the  vagina.  Then  the 
uterus,  by  the  aid  of  sharp  hook,s,  is 
dragged  downward  and  'outward  to  the 
vaginal  orifice.  The  mouth  of  the  uterus  is 
then  dilated,  the  curette  inserted  into  its 
cavity,  and,  as  it  is  drawn  outward,  the 
inner  wall  of  its  lining  membrane  is 
scraped  away  by  the  pressure  of  the  sharp 
edges  of  the  instrument  against  it.  Osten- 
sibly the  purpose  of  this  operation  is  to 
clear  away  the  diseased  lining  membrane 
in  order  that  a  new  lining  membrane  may 
form.  With  proper  assistance,  in  toning 
the  nerves  and  establishing  good  circula- 
tion, a  new  and  healthy  lining  membrane 
may  be  produced. 

There  is  no  organ  of  the  body  so  sensi- 
tive as  tne  uterus,  and  it  not  only  resents, 
but  resists,  such  mechanical  interference. 
Even  with  the  most  careful  manipulation 
and  dilation  it  can  only  be  opened  suffi- 
ciently to  introduce  the  curette.  No  matter 

174 


how  skillfully  it  may  be  done,  treatment 
that  requires  such  harsh  and  forceful  meas- 
ures bruises  the  tissues.  An  incompetent 
or  careless  operator  may  thrust  the  curette 
through  the  uterine  walls,  especially  if 
these  walls  are  soft,  and  dangerous  hem- 
orrhages may  ensue. 

After  such  an  operation  the  uterine  ends 
of  the  fallopian  tubes  are  left  raw  and 
bleeding,  and  their  small  openings  are 
sometimes  entirely  closed  by  the  subse- 
quent inflammation,  resulting  in  serious 
complications.  The  lining  membrane, 
afterward  formed,  is  not  always  a  normal 
one,  but  may  become  scarred  and  hard. 
Repeated  curettements  may  convert  the 
naturally  thin  and  tissue-like  lining  mem- 
brane into  a  tough  and  thickened  covering. 

The  ligaments  of  the  uterus,  as  well  as 
the  posterior  walls  of  the  bladder,  and  the 
anterior  walls  of  the  rectum,  are  stretched 
by  this  harsh  usage  and  often  subsequent 
skillful  medical  treatment  and  care  will  not 
enable  them  to  regain  their  normal  elas- 
ticity and  strength. 

175 


Such  harsh  and  unnatural  methods  will 
not  cure  a  disease  of  the  uterus,  but,  on  the, 
contrary,  will  implicate  the  ovaries  and  fal- 
lopian tubes,  and  pave  the  way  to  men- 
strual complications.  Such  methods  do  not 
give  the  needed  tone  to  the  weakened 
nerves,  but  irritate  and  enfeeble  them; 
neither  do  such  harsh  methods  promote 
good  circulation  or  nourish  the  blood. 

One  of  the  most  eminent  surgeons  of  the 
United  States  says  that  curettement  is  only 
necessary,  or  beneficial,  in  cases  of  abor- 
tion, or  when  the  afterbirth  is  retained; 
otherwise  the  operation  is  harmful. 

Strangely  enough,  physicians  seldom  al- 
low this  operation  on  their  own  wives  or 
daughters.  The  average  physician  advises 
this  because  medicine  and  every  other 
means  with  which  he  is  personally  familiar 
has  failed  and  the  patient  insists  on  relief 
in  some  form. 

Removal  of  the  Ovaries.— No  outrage 
on  womankind  so  deserves  the  condemna- 
tion of  every  thinking  man  and  woman 
as  the  freedom  with  which  physicians 

176 


formerly  removed  the  ovaries  of  women. 
The  fact  that  one  physician  cannot  cure  a 
diseased  ovary  does  not  preclude  another's 
doing  so,  nor  does  it  mean  that  such  or- 
gans cannot  be  put  in  normal  condition  by 
exercise,  rest,  diet  and  breathing;  neither 
does  it  invest  such  physician  with  the  right 
to  cut  out  an  organ  which  he  personally 
cannot  cure,  and  throw  it  away.  Such  an 
operation  should  be  deferred  until  every 
known  remedy  has  been  exhausted,  and 
only  resorted  to  in  an  extremity,  as  a 
means  of  saving  life  or  reason. 

Many  times  death  would  be  preferable 
to  the  mental  anguish  and  nervous  hor- 
ror which  follow  such  an  operation.  It 
should  be  borne  in  mind,  also,  that  sur- 
geons, even  reputable  ones,  are  entirely  too 
ready  to  declare  such  an  operation  neces- 
sary. Many  physicians  have  a  very 
limited  knowledge  of  cures  outside  of 
medicine  or  the  knife.  Their  knowledge 
is  broadening,  however,  from  year  to  year. 

So  great  is  the  indignation  that  rankles 
in  the  hearts  of  men  and  women,  who  are 
informed  on  this  subject,— as  the  full 

177 


significance  of  the  injustice  done  their  suf- 
fering womankind  is  borne  on  them,—  that 
they  would  fain  shout  from  the  very 
housetops  protests  and  warnings  of  the 
multiplicity  of  dangers  and  sorrows  thus 
invited.  This  icustom  of  mutilating  >the 
bodies  of  women  is  becoming  less  and  less 
frequent,  and  it  is  well.  The  growing  skill 
in  surgery  has  reached  so  high  a  point  of 
excellence  that  danger  of  death  from 
ovariotomy  has  been  reduced  to  a  minimum 
but  the  surgeon  rarely  follows  up  his  case 
long  enough  to  know  the  effect  on  his 
patient's  nerves. 

The  inference  is  not  to  be  drawn  from 
this  that  all  surgeons  so  recklessly  use  the 
knife.  Yet  such  recklessness  is  altogether 
too  prevalent  for  the  safety  and  happiness 
of  woman. 

The  ovaries  cannot  be  removed  without 
seriously  impairing  and  weakening  the 
brain  centers  that  control  them.  A  woman 
deprived  of  these  organs  loses  the  vital 
force  they  represent,  and  often  becomes 
coarse  and  mannish. 

178 


There  is  always  hope  of  curing  dis- 
ease, but  none,  whatever,  of  restoring  or- 
gans once  removed.  Not  only  do  the  brain 
centers  controlling  these  organs  suffer  by 
their  disease  or  removal,  but  all  the  other 
brain  centers  suffer  in  sympathy.  There- 
fore, such  a  severance  of  the  intricate  sys- 
tem of  connecting  nerves  endangers  both 
mind,  body,  and  the  spirit. 

No  part  of  the  generative  tract  can  be 
cut  without  the  severance  of  many  nerves ; 
a  constant  irritation  of  these  severed  nerve 
ends  results,  this  nags  the  brain  centers  and 
depletes  the  vitality. 

The  large  supply  of  blood  of  these  organs 
requires  a  large  number  of  blood  vessels. 
A  severance  of  these  also  takes  place  in 
ovariotomy,  the  larger  ones  must  be  tied, 
the  smaller  one  are  covered  by  the  scar 
tissue  that  forms. 

Disintegration  of  the  nerves  may  fol- 
low ovariotomy,  for  the  reason  that  they 
are  deprived  of  the  work  that  nature  in- 
tended them  to  do,  so  naturally  they  perish, 
—partly  through  inactivity,  and  partly 

179 


owing  to  the  violence  of  cutting  them,— 
gradually  wasting  away  at  the  severed  ends 
towards  the  spinal  cord.  This  will  explain 
why  a  woman  thus  deprived  of  normal 
physical  and  mental  activity  sometimes  be- 
comes morbid  and  loses  interest  in  life ;  it 
will  explain,  in  a  great  measure,  the  fright- 
ful nervous  condition,  the  headaches  at  the 
base  of  the  brain,  following  ovariotomy. 

The  statistics  of  one  of  the  largest  hos- 
pitals in  Paris— taken  a  few  years  ago— 
show  that  an  overwhelming  per  cent,  of 
young  women,  unsexed  by  the  removal  of 
the  ovaries,  were  more  or  less  maimed  for 
life,  either  by  increased  nervousness,  in- 
somnia, insane  fits  of  temper,  melancholia, 
headaches,  stomach  difficulties,  or  loss  of 
feminine  characteristics — resulting  in  a 
coarsening  of  the  whole  nature. 

Swollen,  sensitive  and  displaced  ovaries 
can  be  relieved  by  safe  and  natural  meth- 
ods, if  the  disease  has  not  become  malig- 
nant. 

There  are  numerous  causes  for  ovaritis ; 
a  sudden  suppression  of  the  menses  is  a 

180 


very  prolific  one;  inflammation  of  the  sur- 
rounding parts  will  extend  to  them;  dis- 
placements of  the  pelvic  organs,  barbarous 
local  treatments,  pessaries,  excessive  indul- 
gences, and  anything  that  weakens  or  in- 
terferes with  the  circulation. 

Because  of  its  position,  the  left  ovary  is 
more  vulnerable  than  the  right,  and  is 
oftener  affected.  The  upper  part  of  the 
rectum  being  on  that  side,  the  pressure 
caused  by  the  passage  of  fecal  matter,  es- 
pecially if  constipation  exists,  tends  to  irri- 
tate that  ovary.  There  is  a  greater  ten- 
dency to  congestion  and  inflammation  of 
the  left  ovary  also  for  the  reason  that  un- 
like the  right  ovary  the  value  that  aids  in 
controlling  the  circulation  of  the  latter  is 
lacking  in  it. 

Such  a  mutilation  of  a  woman 's  body  is  a 
crime  against  womankind  and  against  God, 
—a  crime  which  it  is  impossible  to  atone, 
a  breakage  that  no  human  skill  can  repair. 


181 


Contents 

Abortion  or  Miscarriage   138 

Amenorrhea   145 

Anteflexion 163 

Anteversion    162 

Auto-Intoxication   123 

Chlorosis    151 

Clothes  for  Baby  105 

Confinement — Preparation  for  95-97-99-102 

Congestion  and  Inflammation 153 

Constipation 116 

Construction  of  Pelvis   45  to  48 

Curettement    174 

Diet  During  Pregnancy   109 

Diet  for  Nursing  Mother 136 

Displacement  of  Uterus   158 

Dysmenorrhea    147 

Distaste  for  Motherhood 127 

Enlargement  of  Uterus 155 

Exercise  and  Diet  during  Pregnancy 109 

Fallopian  Tubes    61 

Falling  of  Womb 168 

Fixation    173 

Generative   Organs,   Derangement  of 142 

Gestation   84 

Heartburn    120 

Husband's   Responsibility    124 

Imitation 27 

Impregnation   80 

Inheritance  and  Environment  30 

Laceration  108 

Lactation    132 

Leukorrhea    155 

Location  of  Organs .48 

Marking  the  Child 141 

182 


Menstruation    68-147 

Miscarriage 138 

Nerves  and  Blood  Vessels  59  to  64 

Nursery  Equipment 106 

Operations 171 

Organs  of  Generation  44 

Outfit  for  Baby   104-105 

Ovaries 62 

Ovaries,  Removal  of 176 

Ovulation 78 

Painful  Menstruation  147 

Parenthood,  Education  for  34 

Parturition 91 

Pelvis,   Construction   of 45 

Pessaries 172 

Poise  Ill 

Power  in  Repose 42 

Preparation  of  Dressings 96 

Pregnancy  75  to  94 

Prolapsus 168 

Puberty    65 

Psychology  of  Motherhood 11  to  43 

Retroflexion    165 

Retroversion 166 

Selection  and  Education 34 

Shortening  of  Ligaments 172 

Spiritual  Motherhood 25 

Sterility 130 

Supplies  for  Pregnancy 97 

Toxemia 123 

Uterus 55 

Enlargement  of .155 

Displacements    158 

Vagina 54 

Varicose  Veins 121 

Vomiting    118 

183 


Books  by  Susanna  Cocroft 

GROWTH  IN  SILENCE 

"Enter  into  thine  inner  chamber  and  shut  the  door.'1 
"There   is  a  divine   sequence,   a  golden   thread  running   through 
the    lives    of    all    men    and    women    of    truly    great    and    lasting 
power." — R.  W.  TRINE. 

A  GOOD  FIGURE— OBESITY,  LEANNESS— 
(Illustrated) 

"Style  is  in  the  carriage,  not  in  the  gown." 

"No  woman  is  to  blame  for  not  being  beautiful  at  sixteen,  but 

she    has    only    herself    to    blame    if    she    is    not    beautiful    at 

forty." — FRA  LIPPO. 

"Few  women  know  how  to  stand,  to  sit  or  to  walk  without  undue 

expenditure  of  nerve  force." 

THE  WOMAN  WORTH  WHILE 

"The  normal  woman  is  happy  if  well." 

"Her  first  duty   is  to   herself.     To  be   a  good   mother   she   must 

first  be  a  perfect  woman." 

"She  has  not  only  her  rights  as  a  true  woman,  but  the  devoted 

homage  and  service  of  man." 

THE  CIRCULATORY  SYSTEM— Heart,  Lungs,  Arteries, 
Veins,  Lymphatics  and  Blood 

Miss  Cocroft  has  spent  years  in  the  practical  study  of  anatomy 
and  physiology.  This  lecture  follows  the  blood  from  the  heart 
on  its  complete  circuit  of  the  body  back  to  the  heart — showing 
the  dangers  and  results  of  sluggish  and  of  impure  blood  flow, 
with  resultant  physical  ailments  and  their  relief.  No  student 
of  physiology  should  be  without  it. 

BODY  MANIKIN  AND  POSITION  OF  VITAL 
ORGANS 

The  body  manikin  with  but  few  additions  is  sold  to  physicians 
for  $5.00.  This  manikin  is  printed  in  seven  colors  and  in- 
cludes fourteen  different  plates,  showing  the  muscles,  blood 
vessels,  nervous  system,  the  organs  of  respiration,  digestion 
and  all  other  vital  organs,  each  in  its  exact  relation  to  Che 
other.  It  enables  a  woman  to  look  within  her  physical  self 
and  to  understand  the  many  facts  about  herself  which  Miss 
Cocroft  explains  in  her  lessons — facts  which  every  woman,  wife 
and  mother  should  know — facts  which  it  is  a  sin  for  her  not 
to  know. 

CHARACTER— As  Expressed  in  the  Body— (Illustrated) 

"How  can  I  hear  what  you   say  when  what  you   are  is  forever 

thundering  in  my  ears." — EMERSON. 

True  grace  is  visible  expression  of  graciousness. 

Grace,   womanly  dignity,   self  control,   ease  of  manner,  laziness, 

indifference,    lack   of   energy   and   ambition,    moral   weakness,    or 

moral  courage,  each   has  its  expression.     Not  only  how  to  thus 

read   character,   but   how   women   can   best  express   it  in   herself 

is  the  theme  of  this  address. 

"The  secret  of  the  highest  power  is  in  uniting  the  outer  agencies 

of  expression  with  the  power  that  works   from  within," 

184 


THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM— Effect  of  Habit  upon  Life 

This  lecture  includes  a  clear  description  of  the  nervous  system, 
its  functions  and  its  influence  upon  various  parts  of  the  body. 
Many  of  woman's  physical  ills  are  traceable  to  shattered  nerves, 
and  many  such  ills  yield  with  astonishing  readiness  to  the  in- 
fluence of  a  rightly  directed  mind.  Habit  is  a  marvelous  gift 
of  nature.  Rightly  used,  it  lengthens  life  and  is  a  great  con- 
server  of  energy.  Wrongly  developed  habit  it  a  check  to  growth. 

SELF-SUFFICIENCY— Mental  Poise 

"The  great  man  is  he  who,  in  the  midst  of  a  crowd,  can  keep 
with  perfect  sweetness  the  serenity  of  solitude." — EMEBSON. 
"Man   has   two   creators:    The    Infinite,    who    created  the    atoms 
and  the   laws  by   which  the   atoms  take   form;   and  himself,   the 
moulder  of  the  form,  and  the  moulder  of  thought  and  character." 
"It  is  not  a  soul,   it  is  not  a  body   we   are  developing,   butf  an 
individual." — MONTAGUE. 
Belief    in   self   is   the   first   element   in    success. 

FOODS— Nutritive  Value  and  Digestibility 

The  problem  of  proper  nutrition  for  the  body  is  as  (vital  as  any 
study  effecting  the  morals,  health  and  the  consequent  power  of 
a  nation,  since  upon  the  kind,  quality  and  quantity  of  food 
depend  the  sustenance,  health  and  strength  of  its  citizens. 

MOTHERHOOD 

The  life,  the  vitality,  the  mental  capacity,  the  moral  character 
of  the  child  depend  directly  upon  the  strength,  the  character, 
the  mental  attitude  of  the  mother.  Motherhood  is  woman's  most 
sacred  privilege  and  the  true  mother  finds  greatest  joy  in  fitting 
herself  to  fulfill  thati  privilege  in  the  most  beautiful  way.  How 
woman  may  best  equip  herself  for  motherhood  and  how  the 
mother  may  preserve  herself  and  prolong  her  usefulness  to  her 
children,  is  clearly  set  forth  in  this  lecture. 

THE    VITAL     ORGANS— Liver,     Stomach,    Intestines, 
Kidneys — their  Use  and  Abuse 

The  whole  treatise  is  so  lucid  and  so  simply  told  that  all  can 
perfectly  understood  it,  and  the  body  manikin  shows  the  organs 
referred  to  and  renders  the  explanations  absolutely  clear.  This 
lecture  is  full  of  practical,  everyday  health  hints. 

AIDS  TO   BEAUTY— Skin,  Hair,  Eyes,  Teeth,  Hands, 
Feet  and  Ears 

Life  is  made  up  of  little  things — and  so  is  beauty.  No  woman 
can  be  truly  beautiful  or  wholesome  who  neglects  the  details 
of  her  toilet.  Indeed,  these  little  things  are  a  constant  index 
of  character.  This  lecture  gives  many  health  and  beauty  hints 
which  some  women  have  paid  hundreds  of  dollars  to  learn. 


PUBLISAED   BY   THE 

HEADINGTON  PUBLISHING  CO. 

209  N.  Michigan  Blvd.,  Chicago. 

185 


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UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 

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